ADHD: Omega 3 Can Provide a Natural Remedy For Adolescents

In a study recently published at the University of Guelph, Canada, researchers focused on a previously-unstudied age group, adolescents, to see if a difference in the amount of EFAs (essential fatty acids) could be responsible for behavioral abnormalities in children.

The study focused on ADHD omega 3 measurements, taken after a diagonosis of ADHD was confirmed by a medical practitioner. In spite of consuming equal amounts of omega 3 and omega 6s to the group that did not have ADHD, measuring the level of DHA (docosahexaenoic acid) in the ADHD subjects showed they had lower omega 3 status and higher omega 6 status, all other things being equal.

The study concluded that further studies needed to be done on the effect of omega 3 on ADHD.

Source: http://www.nutritionj.com/content/7/1/8

My-Omega-3′s Opinion:

This study confirms what literally dozens of other studies before it have found, albeit for a different age group. It seems that people who suffer from ADHD are not able to metabolise essential fatty acids in the same way as people who do not have this condition. As an aside, this correlates to findings for much younger age groups.

ADHD is most common in male children (two to nine times more common). This adds weight to the study above, because we know that it takes a much larger amount of omega 3s for male development.

ADHD fish oil treatments have been studied in countries around the globe, and the results are the same – and compelling! When children with this disorder are given large doses of fish oil – up to 16 grams a day – they show rapid, marked improvement in socialization, learning (especially math and spelling), and attention span.

What’s more, this natural remedy for ADHD doesn’t have any of the side effects of regular pharmaceutical drugs such as Ritalin®. In an Australian study following over 100 children, parents were convinced that the results were equal to or superior to Ritalin® without headaches, insomnia, loss of appetite or other side effects of that drug.

In spite of all the positive results of these studies, doctors still seem hesitant to try ADHD omega 3 remedies. Whether this is because of pre-existing relationships with drug companies or reluctance to try natural remedies, we don’t know. But the science is clear on the efficacy of this method of correcting omega 3 red blood cell imbalances, and reducing symptoms of Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder.