Omega 3s Show Positive Results For ADHD

Previous studies have pointed to the benefits of Omega 3 fatty acids—docosahexaneoic acid (DHA) and eicosapentaenoic  (EPA)—on various aspects of cognitive health, particularly related to Alzheimer’s disease. Most recently, increased levels of the Omega 3 fatty acid DHA have also been associated with improved literacy in children with learning disabilities, according to a new study from Australia.

The researchers recruited 90 children aged 9-12, diagnosed with ADHD, to participate in this randomized controlled trial. Children were randomly assigned to one of three groups: one received 2 grams daily of an EPA-rich fish oil, another a 2 gram dose of a DHA-rich fish oil, while a third group was given a similar quantity of what was essentially placebo—linoleic acid in the form of safflower oil.

In terms of quantifiable results, after four months of supplementation, researchers did not observe significant differences between groups in regard to primary outcomes. Despite an association between DHA levels in red blood cells and literacy, the Australia-based researchers did not observe a direct effect of supplementation with EPA or DHA on literacy, cognition and behavior as compared to children receiving the safflower oil control.

However, measured increases of DHA in red blood cells were positively correlated with improved word reading and lower incidence of oppositional behavior, as judged by the children’s parents. In children specifically diagnosed with learning difficulties, the potential benefits of increased DHA levels were even greater, with significant improvements recorded for word reading, spelling and improved ability to divide attention between tasks.

In addition, parents reported a lessening of oppositional behavior, hyperactivity and overall ADHD symptoms. The researchers were also able to report that increased red blood cell levels of EPA were associated with decreased anxiety and shyness—this suggests separate and unique benefits of EPA and DHA, which nonetheless have far-reaching applications in combination.

As phrased by the researchers, “Given the low omega 3 PUFA intakes in Western populations generally, the variation in the diagnostic criteria between the studies to date and the recent evidence that DHA supplementation can improve sustained attention and frontal lobe function in healthy boys, future research should explore the benefits of omega-3 PUFA supplementation for children who have developmentally delayed school performance but not necessarily a clinically diagnosed developmental disorder.”

The study is among the first to specifically investigate the effects of EPA and DHA rich oils compared with a control on ADHD symptoms in children. Although measurable results were somewhat elusive, the study did provide sufficient positive correlation to warrant further investigation. The discovery of sound nutraceutical support to augment and balance pharmaceutical and psychological measures would only increase the chances of more effective navigation through this prevalent affliction.