Children diagnosed with attention deficit hyperactivity disorder, or ADHD, experience academic difficulties, encounter social problems and struggle to manage their behaviors. Traditional ADHD treatment includes behavioral therapy and psychiatric medications. According to "Eating for Autism," emerging research shows that children with ADHD may have an omega-3 fatty acid deficiency. Supplementing a child's diet with omega-3 fatty acids, as part of a comprehensive treatment plan, may help improve symptoms.
ADHD Symptoms
Symptoms of ADHD start prior to the age of seven. Three different subtypes of ADHD include primarily inattentive type, primarily hyperactive/impulsive type and a combination of inattentive and hyperactive types. Children with the inattentive type struggle with organization, distract easily and appear forgetful. Children with the hyperactive type struggle to remain seated, talk excessively and have difficulty taking turns. Children with combined ADHD experience attention difficulties as well as behavioral issues.
Research on Omega-3 Fatty Acids and Learning
Omega-3 acids help transport nutrients and regulate compounds in the brain. Increasing a child's omega-3 fatty acid intake may improve learning difficulties associated with ADHD. According to Mood and Food, studies show that children with low omega-3 fatty acids were more likely to develop learning difficulties. Betty Busch, MD, reports in the "Journal of Developmental and Behavioral Pediatrics" that omega-3 fatty acid supplementation improved children's learning in research studies. "Eating for Autism" states that omega-3 helps improve reading and spelling capabilities and also improves attention span.
Research on Omega-3 Fatty Acids and Behaviors
Increasing a child's diet with foods rich with omega-3 fatty acids may improve the behavioral symptoms associated with ADHD. Dr. G. Paul Amminger, M.D., from the Department of Child and Adolescent Psychiatry at the Medical University of Vienna, researched omega-3's impact on children with autism and found that increased omega-3 supplementation helped improve behavioral issues. The emerging research suggests that it may also help improve the behaviors of children with ADHD. "Mood and Food" states that low omega-3 levels in boys contributes to increased temper tantrums, behavioral problems and sleep difficulties. "Eating for Autism" also states that omega-3 reduces aggressive behaviors, decreases impulsivity and improves hyperactivity.
Sources of Omega-3 Fatty Acids
Oils such as flaxseed, canola and soybean, provide good sources of omega-3 fatty acids. Fish, including salmon, herring, tuna, mackerel, sardines, cod and haddock also contain omega-3 acids. Some foods are fortified with omega-3 fatty acids. Look for foods such as yogurt, bread, eggs and juice with labels showing they are fortified with omega-3s. Fatty acid supplements provide a source of fish oil for children who are picky eaters. Ensure that supplements are contaminant free and do not contain mercury.
References
- "Eating for Autism"; Elizabeth Strickland, MS, RD, LD; 2009
- CHADD: Understanding ADHD
- "Biological Psychiatry"; Omega-3 Fatty Acids Supplementation in Children with Autism: A Double-blind Randomized, Placebo-controlled Pilot Study; G. Paul Amminger; Feb. 2007
- "Journal of Developmental and Behavioral Pediatrics"; Polyunsaturated Fatty Acid Supplementation for ADHD? Fishy, Fascinating, and Far from Clear; Betsy Busch, MD; April 2007
- "Mood and Food"; Elizabeth Somer, M.A., R.D.; 1999
