Fish oil potentially can help with symptoms of attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) because it contains high levels of omega-3 fatty acids, which clinicians increasingly believe are critical to optimal mental functioning.
Significance
Health practitioners treating ADHD through a nutritional approach often recommend that their patients take fish oil. That's because fish oil contains several types of omega-3 fatty acids, which appear to be important for brain function. Practitioners who follow this approach say it can help ADHD patients avoid taking stimulant drugs to manage the condition.
Benefits
Research shows that supplementing with fish oil can improve problem behaviors common in ADHD, including inattention, impulsiveness and hyperactivity. In a study conducted at the University of South Australia and published in 2007 in the Journal of Developmental and Behavioral Pediatrics, investigators looked at 104 children who took fish oil supplements containing omega-3 fatty acids. Parents in the study reported medium to strong improvements in behavior over 15 weeks.
Types
It's possible to consume enough fish oil through diet alone, but that would involve eating a large quantity of fish daily. Most people taking fish oil for ADHD get it through supplements. There is no recommended dosage of fish oil to treat ADHD, but at least one study has indicated very high doses, between 8 grams and 16 grams, are useful. ADHD patients considering taking high doses of fish oil should consult first with a physician.
Considerations
Clinicians who advocate fish oil for ADHD say the supplement can potentially eliminate the need for stimulant drugs, such as Ritalin or Adderal, to treat the condition. However, many physicians are not convinced. Research has shown children who have ADHD also have lower levels of omega-3 fatty acids, but some studies have found no effect from fish oil supplementation.
Warning
Eating foods high in levels of omega-3 fatty acids, such as oily fish, could be an acceptable approach to combat ADHD naturally while researchers study the connection further. However, the U.S. Food and Drug Administration warns that young children should limit weekly fish consumption and avoid certain types of fish completely because of high mercury contamination in the fish. Quality fish oil supplements contain purified oil that has been scrubbed of contaminants, such as mercury.
Member Comments