Symptoms of attention-deficit hyperactivity disorder include the inability to concentrate, restlessness, irritability and mood swings. According to MayoClinic.com, people with ADHD show differences in areas of the brain that regulate activity levels and attention. Because cod liver oil contains nutrients that seem to improve neurological function and behavior, some parents of children with this disorder have considered using this substance as a natural treatment.
Nutritional Composition of Cod Liver Oil
According to the United States Department of Agriculture nutrient database, cod liver oil is rich in vitamin A, with 1 tbsp., or 13.6 g, containing 13.600 International Units of this substance. The same amount of cod liver oil contains 1.360 IU of vitamin D, a nutrient whose major function is to regulate calcium and phosphorus levels in the body. This oil provides 0.938 g of EPA and 1.492 g of DHA, both of which are omega-3 fatty acids.
Animal Research on Vitamin D
Vitamin D deficiency in Sprague-Dawley rat pups creates symptoms that are similar to those in children with ADHD, including increased movement, according to a 2008 article in the "Journal of the Federation of American Societies for Experimental Biology." Research on adult rats showed decreased movement. Other research showed abnormalities in grooming, nest-building and social behavior. Research on mice often showed the opposite effect, a result that makes it difficult to draw any conclusions about the effects of vitamin D on ADHD-like behavior.
Omega-3 Fatty Acids and ADHD
A July 2007 article in "Nutrition Journal" reported on a pilot study conducted with children who had been diagnosed with ADHD and who were given 16.2 g of a supplement containing both EPA and DHA, two types of omega-3 fatty acids. Doses were later adjusted to lower the ratio between arachidonic acid and EPA to match the average level found in the Japanese population. Behavioral measures were evaluated by a psychiatrist who found that children receiving the supplement showed significant reductions in inattention, hyperactivity, oppositional behavior and conduct disorder.
Risks of Too Much Cod Liver Oil
Recommended dietary allowances of vitamin A range from 1,000 IU for toddlers to 4,300 IU for lactating women. Doses of vitamin D range from 600 to 800 IU. Higher doses could lead to birth defects, hair loss, liver problems, bone loss and death. Because one tablespoon of cod liver oil contains approximately 2 g of omega-3 fatty acids and research suggests that children may have to use 16 g or more to lessen ADHD symptoms, taking enough cod liver oil to improve ADHD might involve significant risks.
References
- Mayo Clinic; Attention-Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder in Children: Causes; February 10, 2011
- "Journal of the Federation of American Societies for Experimental Biology"; Is There Convincing Biological or Behavioral Evidence Linking Vitamin D Deficiency to Brain Dysfunction?; Joyce C. McCann, et al.; 2008
- United States Department of Agriculture: Nutrient Data Laboratory
- "Nutrition Journal"; Effects Of an Open-Label Pilot Study With High Dose EPA/DHA Concentrates on Plasma Phospholipids and Behavior In Children With Attention Deficity Hyperactivity Disorder; P.J. Sorqi, et al.; July 2007
- Mayo Clinic; Vitamin A (Retinol): Safety; August 1, 2011
- Mayo Clinic; Vitamin D: Dosing; August 1, 2011
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