Study Suggests High-Dose Fish Oil May Significantly Improve Behavior In Children With ADHD

The results of a pilot study
published in the Nutrition Journal (nutritionj) suggest that
children with attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) can benefit
from daily supplementation of high levels of purified fish oils. The
eight-week study demonstrated that children who consumed between 8 and 16
grams per day of EPA and DHA (the long chain omega-3 fatty acids found in
fish oil) showed significant improvements in their behavior rated by both
their parents and the psychiatrist working with them.



The study monitored the ratio of two fatty acids in the blood:
arachidonic acid (AA) and eicosapentaenoic acid (EPA). It has been known
from previous studies that children with ADHD have a high AA/EPA ratio in
the blood compared to control children. The amount of purified fish oil for
each child was adjusted until his or her AA/EPA ratio reached ideal levels.



The study found a statistically significant improvement in inattention,
hyperactivity, oppositional/defiant behavior and conduct disorders as the
AA/EPA ratio in the blood was lowered. The findings were true for children
taking their optimal dosage of drugs to manage their ADHD as well for the
children who had voluntarily stopped taking their drugs during the study.



"This is an important study as it indicates when adequate levels of
fish oil are added to the diet, significant behavioral changes can occur.
This study also indicates that the growing epidemic of ADHD may have a
strong nutritional component-the lack of sufficient intake of omega-3 fatty
acids, such as EPA and DHA," said Dr. Barry Sears, one of the co-authors of
the study. "Equally important is that supplementation with high-dose fish
oil is synergistic with existing drugs, giving both the physician and
parent new dietary approaches toward correcting this growing epidemic in
our children."



About ADHD



ADHD is a neurological condition characterized by the inability to
concentrate in a sustained manner, to pay attention to tasks, and to
control impulsive actions. It is estimated that 3 to 7 percent of children
have this disorder. For 60-80 percent of children with ADHD, the condition
continues into adulthood.



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