Fish Oil And ADHD

Fish Oil And ADHD
Millions of people are diagnosed each year with attention
deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD). While some adults
have ADHD it is primarily diagnosed in children. Standard
methods of treatment typically include drug medications
that can have side effects. New research has found that
fish oil can help minimize or alleviate the symptoms of
ADHD. This adds to the hope that ADHD can be successfully
treated with diet and supplements.

This finding is a result of an Oxford-Durham study of
mainstream school children aged five to 12 years old with
mild to moderate ADHD. The study was a treatment trial of
the effects of fatty acids on childhood behavior and
learning. The study was comprehensive with more than
12,000 assessments during the trial.

The study was random with some students taking a supplement
of Omega-3 fatty acids while others took a placebo. After
three months, those students who took Omega-3 had
significant improvements in schoolwork. The study used
performance assessments of motor function, reading and
spelling along with teacher-rated attention symptoms.
Teachers observed that the behavior of the children who
took Omega-3 was improved over those who took a placebo.

The decrease in ADHD symptoms is an important finding
showing that Omega-3 supplements may actually help to
improve or even eliminate many of the symptoms of ADHD.
Deficiencies in Omega-3 may account for not only ADHD but
also other similar diseases such as dyslexia and autistism.
This is good finding for parents of children affected by
these disorders.

The study shows a definite link between dietary
deficiencies and increased incidence of ADHD symptoms.
Omega-3 has been shown to reduce impulsivity,
hyperactivity, short attention span and inattention.
This gives new hope to parents who wish to treat their
children’s ADHD through improved diet.

The first place to start is to consume foods with high
Omega-3 fatty acids. Omega-3 fatty acids are found
naturally in fish such as salmon, cod, mackerel and
sardines. Those who don’t get enough Omega-3 through
their diet should take an Omega-3 supplement. The study
found that the results of the Omega-3 supplement were about
the same as the results typically found in prescription
ADHD medications.

The University of South Australia did a similar study and
found that children who took Omega-3 supplements showed a
decrease in the symptoms of ADHD.

Parents who are searching for a non-traditional treatment
may want to consider giving Omega-3 supplements to their
ADHD children. Omega-3 supplements are readily available
at most pharmacies and drug stores. It is not included in
typical daily vitamin products or multi-vitamin
supplements. Always follow the label instructions and
consult with your child’s doctor before starting a
new vitamin or supplement regime.

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There's still a lack of studies to support ADHD and diet
correlation. Nevertheless, a balanced diet is essential to
developing and proper functioning of healthy brain cells.
Check out the all natural and drug-free alternative
treatments for ADHD at http://www.guidetoadhd.com/prd-fish