Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder in Children: Omega-3 Supplements Alleviate Symptoms

ADHD: Omega-3, a Great Help for the Disorder Affecting Children and Adolescents

High levels of Omega-3 EPA (eicosapentaenoic acid) and DHA (docosahexaenoic acid) in red blood cells promote attention, literacy, and improve behavior in children affected by Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD). Similar results are observed when the ratio between Omega-6 and Omega-3 concentrations in erythrocytes decreases.

This was discovered by researchers at the Sanson Institute for Health Research of the University of South Australia, Adelaide, in a study comparing the effects of EPA and DHA on ADHD. The research results were published in the Journal of Attention Disorders.

Omega-3 and Brain Health

Numerous studies show that Omega-3 improve brain development and cognitive functions, as they are essential components of the nervous system. In particular, DHA constitutes about 30% of the brain. It is a component of neuron membranes and contributes to regulating their growth, stability, and communication with other neurons. Omega-3 deficiency seems associated with many brain dysfunctions such as Alzheimer’s in adults or behavioral and learning disorders in children. Regarding this, supplements containing EPA and DHA have proven useful in improving symptoms of neuropsychological disorders typical of childhood. The same study authors, in a previous publication in Nutrition, reported that an increase of DHA in red blood cells was associated with improved literacy in children with learning difficulties. Omega-3 supplements also appear to have positive effects in Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder, a developmental disorder characterized by difficulties in concentration and motor hyperactivity, caused by altered transport of the neurotransmitters dopamine and noradrenaline.

EPA and DHA Improve ADHD Symptoms

Dr. Parletta, who led the study, and her colleagues recruited 90 children with ADHD who were randomly divided into three groups. One group received daily supplementation with fish oil containing 1109 mg EPA and 108 mg DHA. The second group received fish oil supplement containing 1032 mg DHA and 264 mg EPA. The third, control group was assigned a supplement with safflower oil, composed of 1467 mg linoleic acid. Each group followed the treatment for 4 months, then switched supplements for another 4 months, and so on, so all received all three oils. At the start and after 4, 8, and 12 months, erythrocyte fatty acid levels were measured in each child, and cognitive, learning, and behavioral characteristics were evaluated through specific tests. Initial observations on 53 children showed no significant differences among the three groups. Subsequent analyses instead showed a relationship between high Omega-3 levels in red blood cells and improvements in attention, language use, and hyperactivity. Additionally, a decrease in the Omega-6 to Omega-3 ratio correlated with a general improvement in ADHD symptoms.

The Importance of Blood Analysis

Based on the results, researchers hypothesized that supplementation with EPA and DHA may improve behavior and attention in affected individuals. In particular, the beneficial effect seems mainly due to DHA, contrasting with previous studies where EPA appeared more effective. This research highlights the importance of confirming treatment outcomes by blood sample analysis, thus evaluating nutrient concentration changes relative to baseline levels, which differ from person to person. Also, Omega-3 metabolism is not the same in all subjects. This may explain why individuals in the same treatment group showed different DHA and EPA levels. In a 2007 study by Schoenthaler, supplementation with vitamins and minerals in youths with habitual aggressive behavior did not change conduct in those whose blood mineral and vitamin concentrations remained unchanged. A significant reduction in aggressiveness was observed only in subjects whose red blood cell levels of minerals and vitamins increased. According to these findings, the researchers’ task will be to confirm DHA’s beneficial effect by conducting intervention studies that consider inter-individual differences.

Source: Milte CM, Parletta N, Buckley JD, Coates AM, Young RM, Howe PR. “Increased Erythrocyte Eicosapentaenoic Acid and Docosahexaenoic Acid Are Associated With Improved Attention and Behavior in Children With ADHD in a Randomized Controlled Three-Way Crossover Trial.” J Atten Disord. 2013 Nov 8. doi:10.1177/1087054713510562