ADHD --- attention deficit hyperactivity disorder --- can significantly impact a child's behavior. A child may have trouble focusing on tasks, develop erratic behavior, memory problems or have frequent tantrums. Giving your child food or supplements containing omega-3 and omega-6 won't cure ADHD. However, some evidence suggests that omega-3 and omega-6 fatty acids help children with ADHD. Omega-3, in particular, contains substances believed to help with ADHD.
Fatty Acids
Your body can't produce essential fatty acids. Instead, fatty acids such as omega-3 and omega-6 arrive through food and dietary supplements. The membranes in nerve cells contain fatty acids. The idea is that fatty acids help improve the functioning of brain neurotransmitters, according to Columbia Health Services. Because these neurotransmitters are perhaps malfunctioning in the brain of a child with ADHD, consuming fatty acids may help repair and strengthen pathways in the brain.
Evidence
Some evidence draws clear links between fatty acid supplements and reduced ADHD symptoms. For example, a 2008 study published in the "Journal of Attention Disorders" concluded that some children and adolescents given omega-3 and omega-6 fatty acids for a period of six months had reduced ADHD symptoms. However, information on the Harvard Health Publications website points out that as of June 2009, overall evidence from all major studies on the issue remains inconclusive.
Dietary Sources
Oily fish such as herring, salmon, some trout and mackerel provide a rich source of omega-3 and omega-6 fatty acids. Some nuts and seeds, including flaxseed and walnuts, contain omega-3. Health food stores offer fish oil supplements or specific omega-3 fatty acid tablets. Including oily fish, whole grains and seeds in your child's diet may help reduce ADHD symptoms. Give daily doses of fish oil supplements lower than 3 g, advises MedlinePlus. Consult your doctor before changing your child's diet significantly and before administering supplements.
Considerations
While omega-3 and omega-6 fatty acids may have some benefit in helping children with ADHD, omega-6 has potentially fewer health benefits than omega-3. The average American gets 14 to 25 times more omega-6 than omega-3 fatty acids from diet, according to the University of Maryland Medical Center. Omega-3 contains three useful acids known as EPA, DHA and ALA. Ensure that you're giving your child a better balance of omega-3 and omega-6 and replace meat and dairy products with fish and vegetables.
References
- Omega-3 Learning For Health and Medicine: Omega-3 Fatty Acids for Children and Adolescents
- Harvard Health Publications: Diet and Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder
- "Journal of Attention Disorders"; Omega-3/Omega-6 Fatty Acids for Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder: A Randomized Placebo-controlled Trial in Children and Adolescents; M. Johnson, et al.; March 2009
- University of Maryland Medical Center; Omega-6 Fatty Acids; Steven D. Ehrlich, NMD; June 2009
- MedlinePlus; Fish Oil -- Are There Safety Concerns?; February 2011
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