Can Omega-3 Help Treat ADHD?

Why Omega-3 helps Treat ADHD?

Omega fats help control ADHD because it regulates the levels of dopamine and serotonin in the brain.

People with ADHD have low levels of dopamine in their brains. Consumption of omega-3 may improve ADHD or reduce its symptoms because it can boost dopamine levels and improve brain functions involved in attention, cognition, and seeking rewards.

Omega-3 also improves serotonin uptake into the cell membrane. Patients with ADHD have low serotonin levels in their brains. Taking omega-3 improves serotonin uptake into nerve cells, improving both mood and behavior, which reduces ADHD symptoms.

How Omega-3 works for ADHD

Omega-3 is a healthy polyunsaturated fat. It consists of three main types of fatty acids including eicosapentaenoic acid (EPA), docosahexaenoic acid (DHA), and alpha-linolenic acid (ALA).

These omega-3 fatty acids help treat ADHD by:

1- Increasing dopamine levels: dopamine levels in the brain are lower in individuals with ADHD. Low dopamine levels affect normal brain functions involved in attention and learning because it is involved in nerve cell signaling.

Omega-3 fatty acids normalize the levels of dopamine in the body. They help nerve cells communicate more effectively and reduce ADHD symptoms.

2- Improving serotonin uptake: research shows that people with ADHD have low omega-3 levels in their bodies. This affects the cellular uptake of serotonin because, without omega-3, the cell membrane becomes weak and cannot take up neurotransmitters like serotonin. Omega-3 strengthens the cell membrane, allowing it to take up serotonin properly, which improves mood and behavior.

Omega-3 Dose for ADHD: How much to Take

As a general guideline, the Food and Nutrition Board of the U.S. Institute of Medicine recommends that men take 1.6 grams of omega-3 while women take 1.1 grams of omega-3 per day if they are above the age of 18.

However, for patients with ADHD, Dr. Edward Hallowell, a psychiatrist, typically recommends 2.5 grams of an omega-3 supplement for children each day, and up to 5 grams a day for adults.

He recommends that children with ADHD aged four to six years start by taking 500 mg of omega-3 per day. Children age seven years or older may start taking 1000 mg of omega-3 per day.

DOSAGE WARNING:

Some therapists might prescribe an omega-3-6-9 supplement at a ratio of 2:1:1. However, this depends on your diet. If your diet is rich in omega-6 and omega-9, you do not need to take them as supplements.

Always consult a doctor or healthcare expert to make sure you are taking a balanced ratio of omega-3, omega-6, and omega-9.

Omega-3 for ADHD: Precautions

If you want to use omega-3 supplements to treat ADHD, you should consider the following precautions:

1- People with certain medical conditions

People with the following medical conditions should take precautions and consult a doctor before they begin taking omega supplements.

- Diabetes: consuming excessive omega-3 fats may lower blood sugar levels. People who have diabetes should consult a doctor to determine the appropriate dose for their condition.

- A seizure disorder: consuming excessive omega-6 fats such as GLA may cause seizures in people who have a seizure disorder.

- Allergies: people who have allergies should take precautions before taking omega fatty acid supplements.

Many omega supplements come from fish sources, and people who are allergic to fish cannot take these supplements. Some supplements may also contain peanut and soy, which are also common allergens.

2- Pregnant or Breastfeeding Women

Consuming excessive omega-6 fats may cause pregnant women to have pregnancy complications such as early labor and contribute to the poor development of the fetus.

Pregnant women should also avoid omega-3 because it affects their blood clotting abilities and increases the risk of bleeding. Also, some omega-3 supplements like cod liver oil contain vitamin A, which might be harmful to the fetus.

Pregnant and breastfeeding women should avoid omega-3 fish oil supplements that come from fish that contain high amounts of mercury, such as mackerel, swordfish, or tilefish, because mercury may harm the baby.

3- Interaction with other Medications

Omega fats may interact with different medications and exacerbate certain conditions. Consult your doctor or healthcare provider before taking omega fatty acids supplements if you take the following medication:

- Anticoagulant medication: Omega fats can interfere with blood-thinning medication. Consuming excessive amounts of omega fats can cause blood thinning or excessive bleeding.

- Blood pressure medication: consuming excessive amounts of omega fats may lower blood pressure and interfere with blood pressure medication.

4- Vitamin A Toxicity

If you are taking omega-3 supplements, always check the amount of vitamin A. Some omega-3 supplements may contain very high amounts of vitamin A, which may cause vitamin A toxicity.

People should also avoid cod liver oil because it contains a high amount of vitamin A. They can substitute it with other omega-3 supplements that aren’t high in vitamin A like fish or krill oil.

Omega-3 for ADHD: Side Effects

If you take omega-3, you may experience unwanted side effects such as an unpleasant taste in the mouth, bad breath, heartburn, nausea, gastrointestinal discomfort, low blood pressure, high blood sugar, diarrhea, headaches, and smelly sweat.

Side effects of the Omega-3-6-9 supplement

If you take an Omega-3-6-9 supplement, you may experience the following side effects: burping, vomiting, diarrhea, constipation, nausea, and heartburn, loss of taste, skin rash, hives, itching, prolonged bleeding from cuts, and nosebleeds.

Consult your doctor if any of these side effects appear.