2/5/2015 4:45:18 PM
Children with attention-deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) who increase their levels of both the DHA and EPA found in omega-3 fatty acids may have better attention spans, literacy rates and behavior, according to an Australian study.
In a study published in November 2013 in the Journal of Attention Disorders,researchers from the University of South Australia recruited 53 children with ADHD. Over a 12-month period, the children randomly received supplements containing either 1,109 mg of EPA and 108 mg of DHA; 264 mg of EPA and 1,032 mg of DHA; or 1,467 mg of linoleic acid. The children took the supplements daily for four months and then crossed over to a different intervention.
The researchers found no significant differences in outcome measures between the three treatments. However, the children whose blood samples showed increased EPA and DHA levels had improved spelling and attention, along with reduced oppositional behavior and cognitive problems. The researchers also noted that the children who had decreased blood ratios of omega-6s to omega-3s showed the same results.
“Despite previous suggestions that EPA is superior to DHA, the body of results from this study suggests that DHA is an important contributor to benefits seen,” the researchers said. “This study highlights the importance of confirming intervention results with blood samples, as these can confirm and account for degree of compliance (with treatment and placebo) and variability in baseline nutrient levels.”
Source:http://jad.sagepub.com/content/early/2013/11/08/1087054713510562.abstract
In a study published in November 2013 in the Journal of Attention Disorders,researchers from the University of South Australia recruited 53 children with ADHD. Over a 12-month period, the children randomly received supplements containing either 1,109 mg of EPA and 108 mg of DHA; 264 mg of EPA and 1,032 mg of DHA; or 1,467 mg of linoleic acid. The children took the supplements daily for four months and then crossed over to a different intervention.
The researchers found no significant differences in outcome measures between the three treatments. However, the children whose blood samples showed increased EPA and DHA levels had improved spelling and attention, along with reduced oppositional behavior and cognitive problems. The researchers also noted that the children who had decreased blood ratios of omega-6s to omega-3s showed the same results.
“Despite previous suggestions that EPA is superior to DHA, the body of results from this study suggests that DHA is an important contributor to benefits seen,” the researchers said. “This study highlights the importance of confirming intervention results with blood samples, as these can confirm and account for degree of compliance (with treatment and placebo) and variability in baseline nutrient levels.”
Source:http://jad.sagepub.com/content/early/2013/11/08/1087054713510562.abstract