Omega-3 fatty acids are essential nutrients that play a role in numerous biological processes in the body, particularly in the brain and nervous system. Health supplements containing omega-3 fatty acids are sometimes used to treat various health conditions, with varying degrees of success. One health condition that is currently under investigation as of 2011 for treatment by omega-3 fatty acids is attention deficit hyperactivity disorder, abbreviated ADHD.
Effectiveness
Only a small amount of data is available concerning the effectiveness of omega-3 fatty acids in treating ADHD. A few small studies have found mixed results, indicating that some children with ADHD have fewer symptoms after taking omega-3 fatty acids, but other children see no benefit. One study found that only certain types of omega-3 fatty acids, eicosapentaenoic acid, or EPA, and docosahexaenoic acid, abbreviated DHA, showed beneficial effects, according to a paper published in the February 2009 issue of "Paediatrics and Child Health." Additional research is needed to definitively determine the effectiveness of omega-3 fatty acids for treating ADHD.
Omega-3 Deficiency
Children with ADHD tend to have lower levels of the omega-3 fatty acids EPA and DHA. Furthermore, lower levels of these two fatty acids frequently coincide with worse ADHD symptoms, reports the University of Maryland Medical Center. EPA and DHA are found primarily in seafood, particularly fatty fish such as salmon, mackerel and anchovies, and are often only present in low levels in typical Western diets. Some vegetables, such as flax seeds, contain high levels of another omega-3 fatty acid called alpha-linolenic acid, or ALA, but only small amounts of ALA are converted by the body into EPA and DHA.
Omega-3 Function
The grey matter of the brain contains high levels of omega-3 fatty acids, especially the DHA type. Omega-3 fatty acids are critical components of cell membranes, the water-tight layer that wraps around the cell and keeps it separate from the environment. Crucial properties of cell membranes, including their permeability and flexibility, are regulated by omega-3 fatty acids. In addition, many biochemical reactions that take place on or around cell membranes are also regulated by omega-3 fatty acids. Studies in animals suggest that omega-3 fatty acids are essential for the development of a healthy nervous system, reports the Linus Pauling Institute at Oregon State University.
Current ADHD Treatments
The most common course of treatment for ADHD is some type of stimulant medication, such as Adderall or Ritalin. In children with ADHD, these stimulants tend to have a calming effect, increasing attention span, reducing impulsive behaviors and improving the ability to focus. However, the currently available ADHD medications can have highly variable effects on different children, often requiring much trial and error to find effective medications that cause minimum side effects, explains the National Institute of Mental Health. For this reason, some parents seek alternative treatments.
References
- "Paediatrics & 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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