ADD, more commonly known as Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder or ADHD, is a developmental, neurological and behavioral disorder characterized by inattention or hyperactivity, or some combination of the two. Genetic, medical, dietary and nutritional factors contribute to the occurrence or severity of ADHD symptoms. A growing body of evidence indicates that deficiencies in processing fatty acids, in combination with dietary deficits of omega-3 fatty acids, might play a significant role in the development of ADHD. Supplementation with fish oil may help in the treatment of those with ADHD.
Importance of Treatment
ADHD first occurs during childhood before the age of 7. It usually persists at least through adolescence and often into adulthood. If left untreated, ADHD is associated with several adverse outcomes, such as poor performance in school or work, low esteem, troubled relationships, alcohol and drug abuse and criminal behavior. Primary treatment often involves medications and psychotherapy, but because of the critical role that dietary and nutritional factors can play in ADHD, use of supplements and management of the diet can help to relieve your child's symptoms, according to the National Institute of Mental Health.
Fish Oil and ADHD
Some children with ADHD have significantly lower levels of certain crucial fatty acids than non-ADHD children, according to a study published in the 1995 "Journal of Developmental & Behavioral Pediatrics." Research published in the January 2000 edition of "The American Journal of Clinical Nutrition" affirms that ADHD often co-occurs with symptoms of fatty acid deficiency, such as excessive thirst, dry skin and hair and frequent urination. Supplementation with omega-3 fatty acids, such as found in fish oil, can decrease ADHD symptoms, researcher Alexandra Richardson reports in the February 2002 edition of "Progress in Neuro-Psychopharmacology and Biological Psychiatry." In a 15-month study of the effect of fish oil supplements on ADHD published in April 2007 in the "Journal of Developmental & Behavioral Pediatrics," researcher Natalie Sinn found that children who took fish oil supplements had improvements in their parents' ratings of their inattention and hyperactivity and impulsivity.
Sources
If your child eats fish a couple times a week, he should be consuming enough omega-3 fatty acids to get adequate amounts for general health and to compensate for deficiencies in fatty acid metabolism. You can find fish oil supplements that come in child-friendly form, including gummy candy, flavored oil, chews and squeeze packets. Review the package label to ensure that the supplement contains both EPA and DHA -- the two types of essential fatty acids contained in fish oil. Dosages vary widely, so check the label for dosage levels, as well.
Dosage
Andrew McIntosh, M.D., recommends 750 mg daily of high quality omega-3 fatty acids for the treatment of ADHD in children. The FDA doesn't provide guidelines for minimum daily requirements of fatty acids. However, the Food and Nutrition Board published guidelines in 2002 for the adequate intake of fatty acids for children. The amount varies, depending on the age of the child, and for school-age children it exceeds the dosage recommended by McIntosh, so the guidelines should be more than sufficient to address deficiencies in ADHD children. The FNB recommends that 1- to 3-year-old children take .7 mg per day. Children who are 4 to 8 years of age should consume .9 g. per day and 9- to 13-year-old children should consume 1.2 g. each day. Teenage boys from 14 to 18 should take 1.6 g. daily, while girls of that age should take 1.1 g. each day. Speak with your child's doctor before giving her fish oil or any other supplements.
References
- Andrew McIntosh, M.D.: Fish Oil for ADHD; Andrew McIntosh
- DHA-EPA Omega-3 Institute: Childhood
- DHA-EPA Omega-3 Institute: DHA/EPA and the Omega-3 Nutrition Gap/Recommended Intakes
- "Journal of Developmental & Behavioral Pediatrics"; Natalie Sinn; April 2007
- "Progress in Neuro-Psychopharmacology and Biological Psychiatry"; A Randomized Double-Blind, Placebo-Controlled Study of the Effects of Supplementation with Highly Unsaturated Fatty Acids on ADHD-Related Symptoms in Children with Specific Learning Difficulties; Alexandra Richardson and Basant Puri; February 2002
- "The American Journal of Clinical Nutrition"; Long-Chain Polynsaturated Fatty Acids in Children with Attention-Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder; John Burgess, et al.; January 2000
Member Comments