Children and Adults with Attention-Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder, an organization that advocates for those with ADHD, points out that research into polyunsaturated fatty acids (PUFAS) like omega-3 and their effect on ADHD produced mixed results.
Fish Oil Supplements and ADHD
What consumers need to know about choosing and using Omega-3 or Omega-6 fatty-acid supplements for ADHD
Polyunsaturated fatty acid (PUFA) supplementation, such as fish oil, is not an FDA-approved treatment for ADHD. The evidence for its effect on ADHD is mixed. Two recent meta-analyses (careful statistical review of many studies) concluded that it has a small benefit for ADHD symptoms, but another review concluded “there is little evidence that PUFA supplementation provides any benefit for the symptoms of ADHD in children and adolescents.” Obviously further research is needed. The evidence currently available suggests the following:
- Any benefit from fatty acid supplementation is relatively modest compared to treatment with prescription medication that is FDA-approved for treating ADHD.
- Any benefit takes 3 months to accrue.
- PUFAs are essential fatty acids, necessary to health. Like vitamins and minerals, only small amounts per day are needed. There may be some risk to large amounts, especially if not accompanied by antioxidant vitamins such as E and C.
- There are two kinds of essential fatty acids: omega-3 and omega-6. Most modern diets have plenty of omega-6, but omega-3 is relatively scarce.
- The 3 main omega-3 PUFAs are EPA (20 carbons long), DHA (22 carbons long), and alpha-linolenic acid (ALA, 18 carbons). The first two are mainly found in marine oils (fish, krill, seal, whale). ALA is in some vegetable oils, such as flaxseed oil.
- Theoretically, human metabolism should be able to make EPA and DHA from ALA, but there is some suspicion that some persons have a deficiency in that metabolism. Therefore, the emphasis has been on taking EPA and DHA directly.
