Fish oil is touted as an important dietary supplement to be taken to reduce the symptoms of a realm of medical conditions. Researchers have studied the effects of a diet rich in omega-3 fatty acids on brain function. Some studies suggest that EPA (eicosapentaenoic acid) and DHA (docosahexaenoic acid), poly-unsaturated fatty acids found in fish oil and other foods, may reduce some of the symptoms of ADHD (Attention Deficit Hyperactive Disorder).
ADHD is characterized by impulsive behavior, hyperactivity, and inability to focus attention for extended periods. Previous studies have shown that the ratio of EPA and AA (arachidonic acid) in the blood of children with ADHD is higher than in children without the disorder. Research is focusing on whether supplementing the diets of patients with fish oil to balance out the levels of these two fatty acids in the blood can reduce the symptoms.
A 2005 study done by the University of Adelaide in Australia and published in the Journal of Developmental and Behavioral Pediatrics demonstrated the difference in hyperactivity levels and ability to focus attention when supplements were given. The 103 children in the test groups ranged in age from seven to twelve years in age. The test groups were divided into those who were given fish oil supplements and those who were given placebo capsules of palm oil. Over fifteen weeks, the control group given placebos did not improve in behavior while almost half of the children in the group given supplements did. When the members of the control group were given the supplements for an additional fifteen weeks, their concentration and hyperactivity improved as well.
In one 2007 eight-week study with findings co-authored by Dr. Barry Sears of Zone Labs, children given daily supplements containing between 8 to 16 grams of DHA and EPA showed improvement in the symptoms associated with the disorder. The test groups included children who were taking medications prescribed for management of the disorder as well as children who were not taking their medications during the study. Dr. Sears suggested the benefits of the supplement take about four weeks to begin to be seen and when the supplement is discontinued, the benefits fade away after the same amount of time. This would indicate the supplements would need to be taken throughout the lifetime of the patient. Details of the study are found in his book, Toxic Fat: When Good Fat Turns Bad, and in the July 13, 2007, issue of Nutrition Journal.
Dr. Sven Ostlund of Goteborg University in Sweden has done a recent study with children ranging in age from eight years to eighteen years of age, all with symptoms of ADHD. His 2009 study testing the effectiveness of treatment with daily fish oil supplements suggests the symptoms of hyperactivity and inability to focus can be improved by almost half. He presented his findings to colleagues in May 2009 in Sydney, Australia.
Mayolinic.com and the Royal College of Psychiatrists suggest more studies be done to prove the effectiveness of using fish oil to alleviate the symptoms associated with ADHD.
