ADHD & Omega-3
Can extra long-chain Omega-3 really support people with ADHD?
Neither ‘ADHD’ nor ‘Omega-3’ are single ‘things’
ADHD is an ‘umbrella’ diagnosis, covering a wide variety of difficulties with attention and/or behaviour, so individual differences are the rule. The challenges of ADHD are
very real, but the label itself is only descriptive – it does not explain those difficulties
Grouping different ‘presentations’ of ADHD, & overlapping challenges, into one single category prevents meaningful conclusions.
What ‘works’ for some individuals may not help others.
- The core defining features of ADHD inattention and/or hyperactivity impulsivity represent extremes of normal individual differences in cognition and behaviour.
- There is no clear ‘dividing line’ between those with and without ADHD – diagnosis rests on the severity of the difficulties, and their impact on the individual.
- ADHD rarely occurs on its own – rather, it overlaps strongly with many other developmental, mental, & physical conditions.
- The causes of ADHD are multi-factorial involving biological, psychological & social elements that all interact, and vary between individuals.
Why do we need Omega-3 fats?
- Omega-3 & omega-6 are both ‘Essential Fatty Acids’ because they are vital for human life & health, but we can’t make them for ourselves- so they must come from our diets.
- These fats play critical roles in brain development & function, and a steady supply is needed to support mood, behaviour and learning.
- Omega-3 play key roles in vision, heart health & blood flow, energy metabolism, immune responses, hormone balance, and more including gene expression and regulation, and almost all cell signalling.
- Omega-3 help to
control inflammation - and excessive or chronic inflammation is linked with a wide
range of physical and mental health conditions, including ADHD. Typical modern diets lack omega-3, but provide an excess of omega-6 fats. Correcting this imbalance can help prevent harmful outcomes
Sign up above to get the FULL downloadable PDF of this article on ADHD & Omega-3, which covers even more on:
- Different Kinds of ‘Omega-3’. Omega-3 fats are essential nutrients, but there are different kinds of omega-3, with different functions.
- Why might Omega-3 be relevant to ADHD?
- Do controlled treatment trials show omega-3 can help?
- Why do most of us need more long-chain Omega-3?
- How do you increase long-chain Omega-3 levels? What are the best dietary sources of EPA/DHA? What about plant-based sources?
- Could more Omega-3 help me or my child?
- What do ADHD treatment guidelines say on Omega-3? ⟶ and does it matter?
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Disclaimer
As always – we emphasise that FAB's resources are provided for educational and informational use only, based on the current available evidence at the time of creation. This does not represent a substitute for personalised health care advice - and we encourage individuals to always seek advice from their GP and/or other registered Health Care Professional.
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