Omega-3 Polyunsaturated Fatty Acid Supplementation in Children With Attention-Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD)

TL;DR

This review examines whether omega-3 fatty acids can help children with ADHD, finding mixed results but potential benefits in specific cognitive areas.

Contribution

The paper provides a narrative review of randomized controlled trials on omega-3 PUFA supplementation for ADHD in children.

Findings

Some studies reported significant improvements in cognition and behavior with omega-3 supplementation.

One study found a link between higher erythrocyte omega-3 levels and better literacy and attention.

Eicosapentaenoic acid and DHA improved working memory in children with ADHD.

Abstract

Omega-3 polyunsaturated fatty acids (PUFAs) have gained attention as a potential adjunctive treatment for attention-deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) due to their roles in cognitive and neurobiological functions such as attention and focus, impulse control, executive function, working memory and neurotransmitter regulation, as well as brain development, mainly prefrontal cortex. ADHD, characterized by cognitive and behavioral challenges, has limited therapeutic options, which has prompted interest in alternative treatments. This narrative review evaluates six primary studies on omega-3 PUFA supplementation in children with ADHD, identified through a search of the PubMed database using outlined MeSH and text-word terms, and filtered for randomized controlled trials. The outcomes varied across studies, with some reporting significant improvements in cognition and behavior, while others found no omega-3 superiority over placebo. One study identified a potential association between increased erythrocyte omega-3 PUFA levels and improved literacy and attention, while others found that eicosapentaenoic acid and DHA supplementation significantly improved working memory function among children diagnosed with ADHD. Collectively, the studies suggest omega-3 PUFA supplementation as a potentially valuable adjunctive treatment for specific ADHD domains. However, methodological variations, inconsistent outcomes, and sample size limitations necessitate caution in drawing definitive conclusions. Further research with standardized protocols, larger samples, and extended intervention durations is imperative to elucidate the impact of omega-3 PUFA supplementation on ADHD symptoms in pediatric populations.

Figures