Attention deficit disorder is a cluster of symptoms that cause inattentiveness, impulsivity and hyperactivity. Inattentiveness often presents as distractability and a short attention span while impulsivity manifests itself in ways such as speaking out of turn and frequently interrupting. According to MedLine Plus, certain fish oils, including cod liver oil, may be effective in treating ADD in children. Taking fish oil seems to improve thinking skills and behavior in 8- to 12 year-old children with ADHD.
Cod Liver Oil vs Fish Oil
Fish oil is derived from the entire fish, while cod liver oil is extracted from the liver only. Although both oils contain high levels of omega-3 fatty acids, only cod liver oil contains a natural form of vitamin A. Cod fish are found primarily in the Atlantic and Arctic oceans. Although the oil tastes fishy in its pure state, a good cod liver oil supplement should have no fishy aftertaste. Vitamin A helps regulate the immune system. Children with ADD use large amounts of energy and maintaining a healthy immune system will help keep energy levels high.
Omega-3
People who do not eat enough omega-3 rich foods will be deficient and should take supplements. Cod liver oil contains large amounts of omega-3 essential fatty acids. According to Dr. Sears, some children with poor school performance because of ADD, have been shown to have insufficient essential fatty acids in their diet. Taking a cod liver oil supplement to boost omega-3's in the body may help to reduce behaviors associated with ADD.
DHA
One type of essential fatty acid is DHA. Brain tissue is structurally comprised of DHA. This omega-3 fatty acid aids in the delivery of messages from one synapse to another until it reaches the designated pathway. It prevents the message from being sent back to the original synapse. A deficiency in this important substance may lead to a deficiency in brain function. According to Dr. Sears on his family health website, research is increasingly recognizing the possibility that DHA has a crucial influence on neurotransmitters in the brain, helping brain cells better communicate with each other.
Improved Concentration
The essential fatty acids that are present in cod liver oil can help improve concentration in people diagnosed with ADHD. According to David Horrobin, medical and biochemical researcher,cod liver oil may prevent learning disabilities in your children. Hyperactivity, anxiety and disruptive behavior are common symptoms of ADHD. According to Dr. Richardson, a neuroscientist at Oxford University, clinical trials found that children with dyslexia and ADHD tendencies experienced improved concentration, decreased anxiety and a reduction in disruptive behaviour, after three months of fish oils.
References
- ADD, ADHD Organization: Attention Deficit Disorder
- Medline Plus; Fish Oil
- Dr. Sears; DHA as a Brain Food
- National Institute of Health; Office of Dietary Supplements; Vitamin A and Carotenoids
- Healthy Child; Cod Liver Oil: The Number One Superfood; Krispin Sullivan, CN
- Daily Mail; Fish Oil Helps Hyperactive Kids; Marianne Power
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