FAB RESEARCH COMMENT:
This new systematic review and meta-analysis provides further evidence that
(1) blood and tissue omega-3 status is significantly lower in children and adolescents with ADHD compared with matched controls This was first reported more than 20 years ago (see
Stevens et al 1995), and has been supported by subsequent studies and meta-analyses (
Hawkey & Nigg 2014)
(2) dietary supplementation with omega-3 fatty acids can be of benefit in the management of children or adolescents with ADHD.
Increased intales of omega-3 EPA/DHA have been found to reduce symptoms of inattention, hyperactivity and impulsivity in clinical trials, and previous meta-analyses of these. (
Hawkey & Nigg 2014)
However, most trials to date have been small and researcher-led, involving varied populations, treatment formulations and dosages, and outcome measures.
Further large-scale trials are still needed if supplementation is to be recommended as part of startand clinical practice - but as these leading researchers note, the current study adds additional weight to the case for this.
See the associated news article and FAB comment here:
For more news and research articles on the subject of ADHD and omega-3 polyunsaturated fatty acids, please see the following lists, which are regularly updated: