Omega fatty acids are an ‘effective and safe treatment’ for children with ADHD, a major review of clinical trials has concluded.
Omegas, found in oily fish, are important for brain health and learning – and low intakes have been linked with poor social behavior and communication.
ADHD is a neurodevelopmental disorder characterized by difficulty maintaining attention, impulsive behavior and extreme hyperactivity.
Soaring numbers of children around the world are being diagnosed with the condition, with cases rising as much as tenfold in some countries.
A meta-analysis of 16 studies revealed the majority (13) reported significant improvement in people with ADHD when treated with omega fatty acids, found in oily fish (file image)
In the UK and US it is estimated that up to five percent of children have the condition.
Treatment can be a minefield – and research has warned that the widely-prescribed drug Ritalin, should be used with caution.
For the new research, published in the Journal of Lipids, 16 studies were analyzed, including those where omega fatty acids had been a stand-alone treatment and others where they’d been used alongside prescription drugs.
The majority of the studies (13) reported significant improvements in ADHD symptoms, including reduced hyperactivity and impulsivity, better attention, and improved working and short-term memory.
The research also found that supplements with a specific ratio of certain essential fatty acids were the most beneficial.
Researcher Dr Emma Derbyshire said: ‘It is well-known that children with ADHD have lower fatty acid levels in their blood than those without the condition.
‘This review looked at randomized controlled trials (RCT) – the gold standard of human studies – which compared fatty acid supplementation against a placebo in children diagnosed with ADHD.’
She added: ‘The debilitating disorder affects children’s daily ability to function, learn, and interact with peers. And at present, families have very limited options for what they can do at home to improve their child’s behavior and learning as most specialized diets are ineffective.
‘Now we know a supplement, Equazen, which provides a 9:3:1 ratio of eicosapentaenoic acid EPA, docosahexaenoic acid DHA and gamma linolenic acid, is the most effective at improving blood levels of these acids.
‘It is well-known that children with ADHD have lower fatty acid levels in their blood compared with children without the condition.
‘As a result, fatty acid supplements, with the 9:3:1 ratio of omega-3 and omega-6 fatty acids provides a valuable, effective and safe option for parents who want to do more to help their children manage their ADHD symptoms and improve their ability to learn.’
Dr Paul Stillman a GP and with a special interest in ADHD added: ‘Many parents worry about using ADHD prescription drugs to treat their children’s behavioural issues, particularly as these may lead to unpleasant side effects.
‘A promising finding from this new review was that children who took Equazen on a regular basis tended to need less medication after a few months.
‘However, I would stress that changes to medication should always be done in consultation with your GP or specialist healthcare professional.’