This is No Placebo – ADHD and Fish Oil Supplementation

One of the most revealing studies regarding ADHD treatment was done at the University of South Australia. Researchers there tested a blend of omega-3 fish oil and evening primrose oil on 132 children with diagnosed ADHD, ranging in age from 7 to 12. After the 30 week period, almost half the parents reported that their children’s symptoms were substantially improved.

For the first 15 weeks of the Australian study, the children were divided into three groups. One group took the fish oil/primrose oil combination; the second took the combination plus a multivitamin & mineral supplement and the third group took just a placebo. For the second 15 weeks, the kids on the placebo were switched to the fish oil/primrose oil combination plus the multivitamin & mineral as well.

The careful record shows a 40-50 percent improvement in behavior for the two 30-week fish-oil groups, and more moderate 30-40 percent improvement for the 15-week group. In comparison to similar results from studies done of Ritalin and Concerta (the drugs most often prescribed for ADHD in the United States), it became quite clear that fish oils were far more effective.

The explanation could be in the fact that levels of omega-3s in the plasma and red blood cells of children with ADHD are far lower than in kids who don’t have the disorder. Essential fatty acid supplementation may normalize EFA levels in children with ADHD, thus improving their symptoms.

Furthermore, giving parents an alternative to stimulant drugs for treatment of kids with ADHD is vitally important. While Ritalin can have excellent results in some cases, it also comes with associated risks and side effects such as loss of appetite, insomnia, changes in personality, and long term heart damage. There is also additional evidence that it can stunt growth.

Even though high quality fish oil supplements don’t pose any health risk, it is always advisable before starting any treatment for ADHD, to make sure that this condition is in fact the underlying cause of your child’s disruptive behavior.

Do make sure you can rule out hearing or vision problems, allergies, depression, or even boredom in a gifted child. Parents are then advised to use the recommended dosages and to follow a long term, uninterrupted regime.

A simple change in diet such as the addition of quality fish oil supplements can be an important factor in the management and improvement of ADHD. Your child will experience his or her surroundings with a new, more positive outlook and your whole family will feel happier and closer than ever before.