The health benefits of EPA and DHA, the principal omega-3 fatty acids found in fish oil, have garnered a lot of attention in recent years. Omega-3 fatty acids are attributed with the ability to alleviate or prevent a variety of disorders, including cardiovascular disease, depression, Alzheimer's disease, arthritis and cancer, although many of these benefits have not yet been unequivocally demonstrated. The fact that omega-3 fatty acids are concentrated in the brain raises interesting questions for parents of children with attention-deficit hyperactivity disorder, or ADHD, which is a type of neurological condition.
Neurotransmitter Imbalance
According to a 2010 review in "Attention Deficit and Hyperactivity Disorders," ADHD has been described in the medical literature since the 19th century. The portrayal of the impulsive, inattentive, hyperactive child has almost become hackneyed in Western culture. However, despite its widespread recognition, the exact cause of ADHD remains elusive. "The Merck Manual of Diagnosis and Therapy" suggests that imbalances in neurotransmitter levels alter the activity of brain centers that regulate behavior in children with ADHD.
Fish Oil and Neurotransmitters
The role of omega-3 fatty acids in normal brain development is well-documented. DHA is essential for the neurologic maturation of infants and for nervous system health in people of all ages. Both DHA and EPA have been shown to protect the brain from oxidative damage and inflammation. Perhaps just as importantly, omega-3s appear to regulate neurotransmitter balance and enhance overall function of the human brain. A 2005 study in "European Journal of Clinical Investigation" showed that omega-3 supplementation in healthy subjects improved attention and complex brain function while reducing anxiety, anger and depression.
Fish Oil and ADHD
Scientists are shedding some light on the specific role that omega-3 fatty acids might play in ADHD. A 2010 review in "The Journal of Nutritional Biochemistry" suggested a link between reduced levels of omega-3 fatty acids and alterations in neurotransmitter levels that contribute to attention-deficit hyperactivity disorder. A 2010 "Lipids in Health and Disease" study involving over 800 children demonstrated an improvement in impulsive and hyperactive behaviors after 12 weeks of supplementation with omega-3 and omega-6 fatty acids. Finally, and perhaps most importantly, teacher ratings of behavior in children with ADHD improved after the children took EPA for 15 weeks, according to a 2010 study in "Acta Paediatrica."
Considerations
An increasing body of scientific evidence attests to the benefits of fish oil supplementation for a variety of health conditions, including ADHD. ADHD can be a particularly vexing problem, and benign, non-pharmacologic forms of treatment are particularly appealing to parents of affected children. Fish oil supplements are generally safe, and children who are diagnosed with ADHD may benefit from the use of fish oil. Ask your doctor if fish oil is appropriate for your child.
References
- "Attention Deficit and Hyperactivity Disorders"; The History of Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder; K.W. Lange et al; December 2010
- "The Merck Manual of Diagnosis and Therapy, 18th Edition: Attention-Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder; Mark H. Beers, M.D., Editor-In-Chief; 2006
- PubMed.gov; Cognitive and Physiological Effects of Omega-3 Polyunsaturated Fatty Acid Supplementation in Healthy Subjects; G. Fontani et al; November 2005
- PubMed.gov; Involvement of omega-3 fatty acids in emotional responses and hyperactive symptoms; M. Lavialle et al; October 2010
- PubMed.gov; Supplementation of Polyunsaturated Fatty Acids, Magnesium and Zinc in Children Seeking Medical Advice for Attention-Deficit/Hyperactivity Problems - an Observational Cohort Study; M. Huss et al; September 2010
- "Acta Paediatrica"; EPA Supplementation Improves Teacher-Rated Behaviour and Oppositional Symptoms in Children with ADHD; P.A. Gustafsson et al; October 2010
