ADHD: omega-3 EPA and DHA are very helpful

Supplements containing Omega 3 can positively affect the behavior of children with attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD), slightly reducing some symptoms. EPA (eicosapentaenoic acid) and DHA (docosahexaenoic acid), in fact, appear to increase attention levels not only in young people affected by the disorder but also in those with normal behavior.

This is confirmed by a study conducted at the University Medical Center of Utrecht (Netherlands) and published in the journal Neuropsychopharmacology.

A very common pediatric disorder

ADHD is one of the most common behavioral disorders in children and adolescents, characterized by difficulties in attention, concentration, and impulse control.

It is often treated with medication, while non-pharmacological therapies include supplementation with Omega-3 fatty acids, although their efficacy remains to be conclusively demonstrated.

Previous studies on the topic have found a link between Omega-3 supplementation and reduction of ADHD symptoms. A large 2011 review study including about 700 children showed that taking Omega-3 supplements caused small improvements in ADHD symptoms.

The reason why polyunsaturated fatty acids influence ADHD symptoms is not known, but it is believed they may act on brain cells.

Omega-3s are indeed abundantly present in the cell membranes of neurons, facilitating nerve signal transmission.

Small improvements in children who took Omega-3

The study involved 80 very young children, aged between 8 and 14 years, half of whom were diagnosed with ADHD. One group consumed 10 grams of margarine enriched with 650 mg DHA and 650 mg EPA, while the other half consumed regular margarine.

Both treatments were followed daily for 16 weeks.

At the end of the study, children who had taken Omega-3 showed a reduction in their attention problems, as reported by their parents and specific test results, compared to those who did not take the supplement.

Improvements in attention were also observed in the group without behavioral deficits, although to a lesser extent than in the ADHD patients.

Results still need further investigation

According to Dr. Daniel Coury, pediatrician at Nationwide Children’s Hospital in Columbus, Ohio, these results support the hypothesis that Omega-3 fatty acids may have beneficial effects on children with ADHD, but it cannot be considered a definitive study as it includes few subjects.

Furthermore, according to Coury, the small improvements in test scores may not translate into significant improvement in the children’s daily lives.

According to the researchers who conducted the study, in any case, this research provides evidence supporting the idea that Omega-3s may have a positive effect both in affected individuals and in healthy subjects, and that they could be useful to enhance the effect of pharmacological treatments for ADHD.

Source: Bos DJ, Oranje B, Veerhoek ES, Van Diepen RM, Weusten JM, Demmelmair H, Koletzko B, de Sain-van der Velden MG, Eilander A, Hoeksma M,Durston S. "Reduced Symptoms of Inattention after Dietary Omega-3 Fatty Acid Supplementation in Boys with and without Attention Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder". Neuropsychopharmacology. 2015 Mar 19. doi: 10.1038/npp.2015.73