Chewable Dha Supplements Or Fish Oil For Kids With Adhd

Chances are good that your child's diet is lacking in omega-3 fatty acids. Western diets provide 14 to 25 as much omega-6 fatty acids as omega-3 fatty acids, reports the University of Maryland Medical Center. The resulting deficiency of omega-3 fatty acids may worsen ADHD symptoms. Since omega-3 fatty acids compete with omega-6 fatty acids for binding sites, imbalances in omega 3 versus omega-6 fatty acids starves the brain and body of the long-chain omega-3 fatty acids that promote physical, emotional and behavioral health. Chewable, kid-friendly supplements can remedy this imbalance and are available online or at your local grocery or pharmacy.

Active Ingredients in Fish Oil

Fish oil contains two types of fatty acids, DHA and EPA, that might contribute to the development and severity of ADHD symptoms. A variety of factors seem to contribute to ADHD, including genetic, metabolic and dietary, but the DHA and EPA contained in fish oil may be particularly important for certain types of ADHD. About 40 percent of ADHD children in a study published in the 1995 "American Journal of Clinical Nutrition" had symptoms of essential fatty acid deficiency, such as soft or brittle nails, dry skin, patches of pale skin and dry hair. Researcher John Burgess suggests in the January 2000 edition of "The American Journal of Clinical Nutrition" that one type of ADHD might occur because of deficiencies some children have metabolizing DHA and EPA.

Why Supplement

During childhood, the brain undergoes rapid development. Fatty acids contribute to the formation and maintenance of cell walls and the myelin sheath that protects nerve cells. Fatty acids also contribute significantly to the chemical communications in the brain that involve serotonin and dopamine. These two neurotransmitters help in the regulation of cognition, mood and behavior. If your child eats fish once or twice a week, he may already be obtaining enough DHA and EPA to address possible deficiencies. If not, supplementation might help. While research is mixed, according to Parris Kidd in the 2007 "Alternative Medicine Review," growing evidence finds that supplementing with fish oil or with other supplements that contain both DHA and EPA can reduce ADHD symptoms in some children.

Supplementation

Fish oil or other DHA and EPA supplements tend to come in capsules too large for most children to swallow. However, there are plenty of supplements marketed to appeal to picky children. Supplements come in chews, gummy candy and chewable multi-vitamin tablets, as well as in flavored oil and squeeze packs. Each of these products vary in the dosage of DHA and EPA, so read the label carefully to make sure you use proper dosing.

Dose

While the FDA doesn't provide recommendations regarding the minimum daily requirements for essential fatty acids, others do. Dr. Andrew McIntosh recommends that you provide your ADHD child with 750 mg of omega-3 fatty acids every day. The Food and Nutrition Board recommends even higher amounts for school age children. Children from 4 to 8 should eat .9 g. of DHA and EPA each day, and children who are 9 to 13 years of age should take 1.2 g daily. By the age of 14, boys should take 1.6 g. of DHA and EPA each day, while girls only need 1.1 g. Confer with your child's pediatrician before starting your child on fish oil or other omega-3 fatty acid supplements.