Essential fatty acids (EFAs) may be useful in treating Attention Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD), preliminary research suggests.
In Australia, researchers selected 132 children age seven to 12 with the ADHD symptoms of inattention, hyperactivity and impulsivity. The children were randomly assigned to take EFAs alone, EFAs plus micronutrients, or a placebo.
After 15 weeks, parent rating scores of ADHD symptoms in their children showed "significant medium to strong treatment effects" for both EFA groups, with or without micronutrients.
In a second stage of the study, when all of the children received EFAs, "these results were replicated in the placebo group." As well, during this time, the original treatment groups continued to improve.
"These results add to preliminary findings that ADHD-related problems with inattention, hyperactivity and impulsivity might respond to treatment with EFAs and that improvements may continue with supplementation extending to 30 weeks," the researchers concluded.
A study from West Lafayette, Indiana also points to the relevance of omega-3 fatty acid status in relation to ADHD. In this study, researchers found that compared to individuals in a control group, those with ADHD had lower proportions of omega-3 fatty acids in the blood and higher proportions of saturated fatty acids. "Intake of saturated fat was 30% higher in the ADHD group, but intake of all other nutrients was not different."
Sources: J Dev Behav Pediatr. 2007 Apr;28(2):82-91; Prostaglandins Leukot Essent Fatty Acids. 2006 Oct-Nov;75(4-5):299-308. Epub 2006 Sep 8
