Attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) is a common brain development disorder that can first appear in children as young as preschoolers.¹

Because medications are not recommended in preschoolers with ADHD, other options are urgently needed.¹

Here we share findings from the first scientific study to examine the effect of omega-3 + omega-6 fatty acid supplementation in preschoolers at risk for ADHD.¹

What are omega-3 and omega-6 fatty acids?

Omega 3 fatty acids are found in foods such as fish and flaxseed.² They are an important part of the membranes that surround each cell in your body.² Eicosapentaenoic acid (EPA) & docosahexaenoic acid (DHA) are the two main types of omega-3 fatty acids in the body.² For optimal brain function, a continual supply of EPA and DHA is needed.³

Omega-6 fatty acids, like gamma linolenic acid (GLA), are found in some plant oils and seeds.⁴ They are everywhere in the body and help your cells to function.⁴ It’s important to consume omega-6 fatty acids as part of a balanced diet.⁴

The balance of omega-3 and omega-6 fatty acids is particularly important for health and development.⁵

What kind of study was this?

This study included 40 children who were randomly chosen to receive either two omega-3 + omega-6 fatty acid chewable capsules (containing EPA, DHA and GLA) twice a day or placebo* for 4 months.¹

*A placebo in this study is a chewable capsule that looks like the omega-3 + omega-6 fatty acid capsule but doesn’t contain any omega-3 + omega-6 – it’s essentially a ‘dummy’ capsule.

Who was included in this study?

The children included in the study were aged 3 to 6 years and had symptoms of ADHD as reported by their teachers or parents. The children were not taking medications for ADHD, but were all receiving behavioural therapy.¹

What did the study show?

Children taking the omega-3 + omega-6 fatty acid chewable capsules showed a significant reduction in the severity of their ADHD symptoms compared to those taking the placebo. This was true when assessed by both the parents and teachers.¹

Children taking the omega-3 + omega-6 fatty acid chewable capsules also showed a significant reduction in hyperactivity/impulsivity and inattention.¹

References:

1. Döpfner M et al. J Atten Disord 2021;25:1096–106.
2. National Institutes of Health. Omega-3 Fatty Acids: Fact Sheet for Consumers. Available at: https://ods.od.nih.gov/factsheets/Omega3FattyAcids-Consumer/. Accessed April 2022.
3. von Schacky C. Nutrients 2021;13:1074.
4. MedlinePlus. Omega-6 Fatty Acids. Available at: https://medlineplus.gov/druginfo/natural/496.html Accessed April 2022.
5. Simopoulos, AP. Biomed Pharmacother 2002;56:365-379.