ADHD can be frustrating for both parents and their children. Because the cause is not completely understood, treating ADHD is also a challenge. In addition to medications, there are several lifestyle changes and alternative approaches that may help children cope with their symptoms. Fish oil supplements, high in omega-3 fatty acids, are among these options.
ADHD Treatment
ADHD is more than just hyperactivity. While there is no single known cause of ADHD, the National Institute of Mental Health reports that it is likely a combination of genetics and other environmental factors. These include exposure to both smoke and lead as well as brain injury. While diet has been suggested as a possible cause, the research on food additives and artificial ingredients is still preliminary. There is a camp that suggests omega-3's, such as those found in fish oil, may be beneficial for ADHD treatment. Increasing foods rich in omega-3 fatty acids or taking supplements like fish oil may help control some ADHD symptoms.
Omega-3's and ADHD
According to the University of Maryland Medical Center, kids with ADHD may have lower levels of both eicosapentaenoic acid, or EPA, and docosahexaenoic acid, or DHA. Both are essential fatty acids, which are not produced by the body and therefore are essential to the diet. In particular, they are both omega-3 fatty acids and are two of the most important ingredients in fish oils. UMMC reports that children with low levels of these fatty acids tend to have more behavioral problems than those who do not. It seems logical that fish oil, whether in its natural form or as a supplement, could replace these essential fatty acids and improve behavior in kids with ADHD.
The Research
The research on fish oil and ADHD treatment is far from complete. Medline Plus states that fish oil is "possibly effective" for ADHD and may decrease behavior problems and increase attention in some children. However, UMMC reports that many of the studies that have shown improvements in the behavior of children with ADHD after taking fish oil were not well designed.
Guidelines
Because there is no approved dose of fish oil for children, UMMC recommends not giving your child fish oil supplements without direct guidance from his pediatrician. ADHD is a complex diagnosis that often requires a battery of approaches, including both long-term medication and behavior modifications. You should never make any changes to your child's medication routine without first consulting his doctor. That said, there is no reason you cannot make a few dietary changes to include natural fish oils in your child's meals. UMMC recommends offering cold water fish such as salmon and tuna. However, they caution against any high-mercury fish such as king mackerel and tilefish. As an alternative, you can offer your child other foods rich in omega-3's, such as soybeans and walnuts.
