Oily fish -- including salmon, halibut, tuna, trout and mackerel -- contain chemicals called omega-3 fatty acids that are beneficial to your health. The fatty acids play a number of vital roles in the body, most notably in promoting the health of your heart and circulatory systems. Fish oil pills may also help people who suffer from attention deficit hyperactivity disorder, although you should consult a doctor before taking them to treat ADHD.
Medical Evidence
Fish oil supplements appear to benefit children with ADHD because fish oil improves thinking skills and behavior in general, MedlinePlus reports. Children with ADHD may have lower levels of some of the essential fatty acids in fish oil, making it beneficial in treating the condition. However, not all studies into the effects of fish oil on ADHD have found a decrease in symptoms, the University of Maryland Medical Center reports. Before you or your child take the supplement to help control ADHD, consult with a knowledgeable doctor who can advise you on how to do so safely.
Safe Dosage
The recommended dosage for fish oil supplements varies greatly depending on the condition it is being used to treat. In the case of ADHD, the typical supplemental form is capsules that contain both fish oil and evening primrose oil. The recommended dose is six capsules that contain 400 mg of fish oil along with 100 mg of the evening primrose oil, MedlinePlus reports.
Side Effects
Although fish oil supplements appear safe when taken in quantities of less than 3 g per day, you may experience some side effects. You may experience bad breath, belching, nausea, loose stools, heartburn, nosebleeds and skin rashes. Many people can help lessen the bothersome side effects by either freezing the capsules before taking them or taking them with meals, MedlinePlus notes. You can also purchase extended-release fish oil pills to help alleviate some of the side effects. Before you take fish oil for ADHD, talk with a doctor, who can advise you of possible side effects.
Safety Precautions
Most people can safely take fish oil pills as a supplement, but you should be aware of some potentially dangerous effects if you have certain medical conditions. In high doses, it can increase your risk of experiencing severe bleeding and problems with blood clotting, MedlinePlus reports. Because of the bleeding risk, people with liver disease should not use fish oil pills. Fish oil can alter how the immune system functions, so it's not safe for people with HIV and AIDS or other conditions that weaken the immune system. Finally, fish oil can elevate blood sugar and cholesterol levels, so do not use it unless under the care of a doctor if you are being treated for diabetes or high cholesterol levels, the University of Michigan Health System advises.
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