Nutritionists and naturopathic pediatricians have proposed numerous alternative approaches for children with ADHD. Some alternative techniques for treating ADHD involve nutritional supplements designed to address the underlying deficiencies that may contribute to attention deficit and hyperactivity. While no single treatment will reliably work for all children, many parents have had success using omega-3 supplements in the form of fish oil, to alleviate many of the symptoms associated with ADHD.
Theories
Fish oil is naturally rich in the omega-3 fats DHA and EPA. The typical, overly processed American diet is alarmingly deficient in these essential fatty acids, which are critical for enabling the proper development of the eyes, skin, brain and central nervous system, especially for young children. A diet low in omega-3 fats has been associated with heart disease, depression, cognitive decline, arthritis and many other disabling conditions. Because DHA and EPA are essential for the health of the brain, experts have suggested that some ADHD cases may be caused by deficiencies in these key omega-3 fats.
Clinical Trials
After a 2005 study found that most children with ADHD are deficient in omega-3 fats, experts hypothesized that fish oil supplements could be an effective treatment for the disorder. In 2009, The Journal of Attention Disorders published the findings of a placebo-controlled clinical trial, which tested fish oil's efficacy in treating ADHD. The scientists administered a combination of fish oil and omega-6 fatty acids to children who had been diagnosed with ADHD. The majority of children did not respond to treatment, but 25 percent showed a meaningful reduction in symptoms within three months, and 47 percent showed a reduction within six months. Most of the children who responded to the fish oil supplements were affected by the "inattentive" subtype of the condition.
Factors
When omega-3 fats are given alongside omega-6 fats, the two types of compound "compete" within the body, so the inclusion of omega-6 fats actually may have hindered the results of the study. Supplementation with unaltered fish oil, which contains almost no omega-6, may be a more effective treatment for children with ADHD. While the Swedish trial found that the fatty acids were only successful in treating a minority of children, the results may have been more positive if omega-6 fatty acids were excluded from the treatment. Even still, a reduction in symptoms for 25 to 47 percent of children is far from insignificant.
Choosing Supplements
To prevent the "crowding out" of omega-3 fatty acids, parents should seek supplements that are not fortified with omega-6 or omega-9 fats. Many manufacturers offer fish oil supplements made specifically for children. These flavored chewables contain ideal concentrations of DHA and EPA and most children find them palatable and even enjoyable. Depending on the age and weight of the child, nutritionists may recommend a dose of 100 to 1000 mg of fish oil daily. The positive effects of fish oil can be amplified by a balanced diet, daily exercise and a children's multivitamin.
Safety
Some parents supplement their children with cod liver oil rather than standard fish oil, but it does not contain ideal fatty acid ratios for children. To achieve an adequate intake of DHA and EPA, children would have to take very large doses of cod liver oil; this would lead to a toxic buildup of vitamin A. Otherwise, fish oil is associated with very few side effects or risks. Some children experience stomach upset after taking fish oil, but this can usually be mitigated by taking the supplements with food. Because of the many health benefits associated with omega-3 supplements, most pediatricians recommend routine supplementation with fish oil, even if it is not successful in treating ADHD symptoms.
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