Omega 3 as an ADHD Treatment

Can Omega 3 fatty acids help people with ADD/ADHD?

The answer to this question can be found in some recent groundbreaking studies. But before we get into the results of those studies, let’s first explain what Omega 3s are and their health benefits for the average person.

Omega-3 fatty acids are long-chain, polyunsaturated fatty acids, which must be obtained through the diet. Omega-3 fatty acids, like eicosapentaenoic (EPA) and docosahexaenoic acid (DHA) are found in foods such as fish or fish oil. They are also found in human breast milk.

The benefits of Omega-3 fatty acids are endless. According to various reports by the American Medical Association, Omega-3s can help prevent heart disease, lower blood and cholesterol levels, alleviate joint pain and migraines and help treat various autoimmune diseases. The National Institute of Mental Health reports Omega-3 fatty acids can improve brain development and memory functioning. They’ve also sited breakthroughs in using Omega-3s to treat Bipolar Disorder and Depression. Some say it is the perfect brain food.

But what does all of this have to do with ADD/ADHD?

Australian researcher Natalie Sinn conducted the largest, clinical-based omega-3 and omega-6 trial of its kind with children and adults who had ADHD. The results showed that supplementation with fatty acids significantly relieved the symptoms of ADHD and improved their ability to learn.

The double blind randomized trial involved 132 children aged 7-12 with ADHD symptoms, and the active fatty acid used was Equazen’s eye q ™ supplement. For the first 15 weeks, Sinn divided the children into three groups. One group took eye q™, the second group took eye q™ and a multi-vitamin/mineral supplement while the third group took placebo palm oil capsules. At the 15-week mark, all of the children were given eye q™ and the multivitamins/minerals.

The results showed that at the end of the 30-week trial almost half of the children taking eye q™ for the entire study saw significant reductions in the core ADHD symptoms of inattention, hyperactivity and impulsivity. After the placebo group switched to the combined oil supplement for 15 weeks, they showed significant improvements in behavior and attention span. The original eye q™ group continued to show improvements after an additional 15 weeks of taking the combined oil supplement in cognitive problems, inattention, restlessness, impulsivity and hyperactivity. Taking a multivitamin/mineral supplement showed no additional benefits for ADHD symptoms.

Earlier research done at Oxford University showed that of the 117 children they studied with learning and behavioral conditions, 40% who took eye q™ made dramatic improvements in reading and spelling.

In a nutshell, studies demonstrate that nutritional intervention, specifically the use of Omega 3 fatty acids, may assist with problems associated with ADHD.

So the answer to original question is; “yes”. Omega-3 fatty acids can help people with ADD/ADHD and it certainly won’t hurt to try them. They are essential fatty acids which mean they are “necessary” for the healthy function of the brain and heart. So even if they don’t relieve your symptoms of ADHD, they will at minimum help to improve your overall health.

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