More support for omega-3 calming ADHD kids

Supplements of omega-3 and omega-6 improved the attention span and hyperactivity scores of young Australians, and was rated better than the common medication Ritalin.

The study adds to a growing number of studies looking at the effect of fish oils on the behaviour and learning of kids, and reports in the UK suggest the British government may even be considering omega-3 and omega-6 food supplements in schools.

The new study from the University of South Australia recruited 132 kids with ADHD aged 7 to 12 for the randomized, placebo-controlled, double-blind intervention trial.

For the first 15 weeks of study, the kids were given daily supplements of either polyunsaturated fatty acids (omega-3 and omega-6, 3000 milligrams per day), PUFAs plus multivitamins and minerals, or placebo capsules (palm oil).

After 15 weeks the placebo group crossed-over to the PUFA plus multivitamins and minerals supplement, and the other groups remained constant.

“Supplementation with PUFA over 15 weeks resulted in significant improvements compared to placebo in parent ratings of core ADHD-related behavioural and cognitive difficulties, namely inattention, hyperactivity and impulsivity, with medium to large effect sizes, and also in ratings of oppositional behaviour,” reported the researchers, led by Natalie Sinn.

After 30 weeks (placebo group switching to eyeq supplements) the parental ratings of behaviour improved significantly in 10 out of 14 scales.

“The fish oil groups continued to improve after taking the supplement for a further 15 weeks. According to the data the multivitamin/mineral supplement had no additional effects,” said Sinn.

The researchers also compared the effects of Ritalin to the effects observed by fish oil supplements. Using a comparison figure from a meta-analysis (CMAJ, 2001, Vol. 165, pp.1475-1488), Sinn and her co-workers calculated that the Ritalin had a total effect on the ADHD index of 0.54.

A larger effect value of 0.59 was calculated for the group that took the fish oil supplements for the whole 30 weeks, while the placebo group that switched to fish oil after 15 weeks had an effect value of 1.03.

“There is no known evidence that medication provides any benefits beyond four weeks, whereas in the present trial symptoms continued to improve after 15 weeks of supplementation,” said the South Australian team.