Omega-3 fatty acids are important components of every cell in your body, yet your body is incapable of synthesizing these essential nutrients. The brain and nervous system contain high levels of omega-3 fatty acids, which appear to be important for normal development of the nervous system. Health supplements containing omega-3 fatty acids are used to treat a variety of health conditions, including attention deficit hyperactivity disorder, abbreviated ADHD.
Omega-3 Fatty Acid Function
Omega-3 fatty acids contribute to the formation of cell membranes, the layer of water-insoluble molecules that surrounds cells and separates the inside of cells from the surrounding environment. Within the cell membranes, omega-3 fatty acids regulate numerous biochemical reactions as well as important properties of the membranes themselves, such as flexibility and permeability. The grey matter of the brain contains high levels of omega-3 fatty acids, and studies in animals suggest that omega-3 fatty acids are critical for the development of the nervous system, explains the Linus Pauling Institute at Oregon State University.
Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder
Attention deficit hyperactivity disorder, which is commonly abbreviated ADHD, is a learning disorder characterized by symptoms of attention and focus problems, hyperactivity and behavior problems. ADHD is one of the most common learning disorders among children, according to the National Institute of Mental Health. A common treatment for ADHD is with stimulant medications, which seem to help children with ADHD focus and improve their ability to pay attention in school. However, these medications may cause side effects, leading some people to seek alternate treatments.
ADHD and Omega-3 Fatty Acids
Children with ADHD often have low levels of particular types of omega-3 fatty acids, called eicosapentaenoic acid, or EPA, and docosahexaenoic acid, abbreviated DHA, reports the University of Maryland Medical Center. Additionally, lower levels of these fatty acids appear to correlate with increased hyperactivity and learning difficulties. These correlations have led researchers to investigate omega-3 fatty acids as a treatment for ADHD.
Treatment of ADHD
Initial results of studies using omega-3 fatty acids to treat ADHD have found mixed results. Several studies, including one published in the February 2009 issue of the journal "Paediatrics and Child Health," found that some, but not all, children with ADHD who took omega-3 fatty acid supplements showed statistically significant improvements in ADHD symptoms. Additional large clinical trials are necessary to find more conclusive results.
References
- "Paediatrics and Child Health"; Omega-3 Fatty Acid Treatment of Children with Attention-Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder: A Randomized, Double-Blind, Placebo-Controlled Study; Stacey Belanger et al.; February 2009
- University of Maryland Medical Center: Omega-3 Fatty Acids
- Linus Pauling Institute at Oregon State University: Essential Fatty Acids
- National Institute of Mental Health: Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD)
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