Omega-3 fatty acids are touted for their role in various medical conditions, but they are scientifically proven for only a few. The effects of omega-3 fatty acids continue to be studied, but there are no official recommendations for its use with ADHD. Results show promising but inconclusive results for its use in ADHD, and research is ongoing.
Omega-3 Basics
Omega-3 fatty acids, a polyunsaturated essential fat, is the key ingredient in fish oil. Derived from fatty fish such as salmon, tuna and mackerel, you'll consume about 1 g of omega-3s by eating 3.5 oz. of fish. Officially, omega-3 fatty acids are only proven to lower triglycerides and blood pressure. Fish, because of its omega-3 fatty acid byproduct, has a reputation as "brain food," reflected by growing research regarding omega-3 fatty acid's role in Alzheimer's disease, depression and ADHD.
Research
Research on the link between omega-3 fatty acid intake and ADHD continues to grow, and current results show some promising findings. A study reported in the journal "Lipids in Health and Disease" for September 2010 suggests that polyunsaturated fatty acids, such as omega-3s, combined with magnesium and zinc intake may help improve symptoms in children with emotional, behavioral and attention deficits. Medline Plus cites another study that found fish oil consumption seemed to help improve behavior in children ages 8 to 12 with ADHD. Though studies may point to a link between omega-3 intake and ADHD, nothing is conclusive. Medline Plus rates fish oil, and its key ingredient omega-3 fatty acids, as therapy only possibly effective for ADHD.
Omega-3 Sources
Omega-3 fatty acids can be consumed through the diet or supplements. The best sources of omega-3s are fatty fish, especially salmon and mackerel. Green, leafy vegetables and walnuts are other food sources. Fish oil supplements contain omega-3 fatty acids derived from mackerel, tuna, herring, salmon, cod liver, whale blubber or seal blubber. Supplements are an option for you if you don't consume enough fish in your diet.
Considerations
Supplements should be taken only under the care of a doctor. Extreme doses of fish oil, considered over 46 g per day, can actually lead to stroke. It's best to keep doses of fish oil below 3 g per day because exceeding even this amount may interfere with blood clotting. Consuming fish oil supplements can also cause side effects such as bad breath, fishy aftertaste, heartburn, burping, nosebleed and stomachache. Refrigerating supplements and taking them with meals may help reduce these side effects. Mercury poisoning of fish is also a concern. Fish such as shark, farm-raised salmon and mackerel are more prone to mercury contamination, while the risk for mercury contamination with supplements is low.
