Omega-3 Polyunsaturated Fatty Acids in Youths with Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD): A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis of Clinical Trials and Biological Studies
Chang JC, Su KP, Mondelli V, Pariante CM (2018) Neuropsychopharmacology. 43(3) 534-545. doi: 10.1038/npp.2017.160. Epub 2017 Jul 25.
Web URL: Read this and related abstracts on PubMed here. Free full text of this article is available online
Abstract:
The role of omega-3 polyunsaturated fatty acids (omega-3 or n-3 PUFAs) in the pathogenesis and treatment of children and adolescents with attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) is unclear.A systematic review followed by meta-analysis was conducted on: (1) randomized controlled trials (RCTs) assessing the effects of n-3 PUFAs on clinical symptoms and cognition in children and adolescent with ADHD; and (2) case-control studies assessing the levels of n-3 PUFAs in blood and buccal tissues of children and adolescents with ADHD.
In seven RCTs, totalling n=534 randomised youth with ADHD, n-3 PUFAs supplementation improves ADHD clinical symptom scores (g=0.38, p<0.0001); and in three RCTs, totalling n=214 randomised youth with ADHD, n-3 PUFAs supplementation improves cognitive measures associated with attention (g=1.09, p=0.001).
Moreover, children and adolescents with ADHD have lower levels of DHA (seven studies, n=412, g=-0.76, p=0.0002), EPA (seven studies, n=468, g=-0.38, p=0.0008), and total n-3 PUFAs (six studies, n=396, g=-0.58, p=0.0001).
In summary, there is evidence that n-3 PUFAs supplementation monotherapy improves clinical symptoms and cognitive performances in children and adolescents with ADHD, and that these youth have a deficiency in n-3 PUFAs levels.
Our findings provide further support to the rationale for using n-3 PUFAs as a treatment option for ADHD.
FAB RESEARCH COMMENT:
This new systematic review and meta-analysis provides further evidence that(1) blood and tissue omega-3 status is significantly lower in children and adolescents with ADHD compared with matched controls
This was first reported more than 20 years ago (see Stevens et al 1995), and has been supported by subsequent studies and meta-analyses (Hawkey & Nigg 2014)
(2) dietary supplementation with omega-3 fatty acids can be of benefit in the management of children or adolescents with ADHD.
Increased intales of omega-3 EPA/DHA have been found to reduce symptoms of inattention, hyperactivity and impulsivity in clinical trials, and previous meta-analyses of these. (Hawkey & Nigg 2014)
However, most trials to date have been small and researcher-led, involving varied populations, treatment formulations and dosages, and outcome measures.
Further large-scale trials are still needed if supplementation is to be recommended as part of startand clinical practice - but as these leading researchers note, the current study adds additional weight to the case for this.
See the associated news article and FAB comment here:
For more news and research articles on the subject of ADHD and omega-3 polyunsaturated fatty acids, please see the following lists, which are regularly updated:
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