Omega-3 boost for ADHD sufferers
Updated on 17 April 2007
Omega-3 fish oil can help children suffering from attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) symptoms, a new study suggests.
Results from "the largest, clinical-based omega-3 and omega-6 trial of its kind" bolstered views that fatty acids relieve aspects of the condition.
The tests were undertaken by the University of South Australia and an Australian government research body. They involved 132 children aged between seven and 12 with ADHD symptoms and the active fatty acid used was Equazen's eye q supplement.
For 15 weeks, during the first half of the test, children were split into three groups.
One took eye q, the second took eye q and a multi-vitamin/mineral supplement, while the third took placebo palm oil capsules. All children were then given eye q and the multivitamins/minerals.
At the end of the 30-week-long trial, almost half of the children taking eye q for the whole study saw "significant" reductions in ADHD symptoms of inattention, hyperactivity and impulsivity, researchers said.
After the placebo group switched to the combined oil supplement for 15 weeks, they showed significant improvements in parent behaviour ratings and attention span.
The original eye q group continued to show improvements after an additional 15 weeks of taking the combined oil supplement in cognitive problems, inattention, restlessness, impulsivity and hyperactivity.
Philip Calder, professor of nutritional immunology at the University of Southampton added: "The results of this latest trial add to the growing body of evidence showing that children with attention problems can benefit from increased intake of certain fatty acids."
The new trial results are published in this month's Journal of Developmental and Behavioural Paediatrics.
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