ADHD and Fish Oils

Essential fatty acid supplements may help children who have a certain kind of ADHD, according to a 2014 dissertation at the Sahlgrenska Academy, University of Gothenburg, Sweden.

Between 3-6% of all children are estimated to have ADHD (Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder). Children with ADHD have difficulty sitting still, controlling impulses and temper, or being attentive for prolonged periods at a time.

Often, we see these children being treated with medications; however, these meds have side-effects and they do not work for everyone.

In this particular study, 75 children with ADHD were given either an essential fatty acid supplement or a placebo for three months. After that, all 75 participants were given an essential fatty acid supplement for the next three months. This was a double-blind study, so neither the researchers nor the participants knew whether they received the EFAs until afterwards.

While researchers did not see any major improvement as a whole, in 35% of the children with the inattentive subtype of ADHD called ADD, the symptoms improved so much that it was deemed a clinically relevant improvement. ADHD and Fish Oils are just a great mix.

In addition, the children who had a clear improvement in their symptoms also showed a better balance between their levels of omega-3 and omega-6 fatty acids, as shown in blood samples. Our recommendation is that children with any behavioral disorders should be taking fish oils!

 

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