NNTK, i.e. essential fatty acids from the omega-3 and omega-6 groups, can bring positive effects in the treatment of ADHD. Some scientists argue that supplementation with this group of acids may, although to a small extent, alleviate the symptoms of ADHD. Check how exactly omega-3 and omega-6 EFAs work in people with attention deficit hyperactivity disorder.
Essential fatty acids(EFA)omega-3 and omega-6 fatty acids play many very important functions in the human body. They are responsible for the proper functioning of the brain, heart and nervous system, they strengthen immunity and even prevent the development of cancer. Scientists argue that omega-3 and omega-6 fatty acids can also help children and adults with ADHD (attention deficit hyperactivity disorder). According to some researchers, this group of fats reduces hyperactivity in children, improves motor coordination, concentration and facilitates learning, remembering, reading and writing.
Omega-3 and omega-6 fatty acids and ADHD
According to the doctoral dissertation by Mats Johnson from the Sahlgrenska Academy at the University of Gothenburg, omega-3 fatty acids can contribute to the improvement of the condition of people with ADHD.
75 children and adolescents with ADHD participated in his study. The subjects were divided into two groups - one received omega-3 and omega-6 fatty acids, and the other a placebo. The experiment lasted 3 months. After this time, all subjects received these fats for the next 3 months. It was the so-called a double-blind study (neither the doctor nor the patients knew whether EFAs or a placebo were being administered). Mats Johnson summarized the results of the study, stating that for the group as a whole there was no significant improvement, but in 35% of respondents. children and adolescents with an inattentive type of ADHD (called ADD) have relieved their symptoms so much that it has improved significantly.
The levels of omega 3 and omega 6 fatty acids were also measured in blood samples. In those who improved, blood tests also showed a better balance between the levels of these two acids.
Scientists from the Yale Child Study Center and Yale University also decided to assess the effect of omega-3 fatty acids on people with ADHD. After 10 trials with 699 children with ADHD, it was shown that supplementation with omega-3 fatty acids contributed to a slight butstatistically significant impact on the improvement of ADHD symptoms, with the dose of EPA acid (one of the three omega-3 fatty acids) in supplements was significantly correlated with the effectiveness of supplementation.
In the conclusions, the scientists emphasized that supplementation with omega-3 acids (especially EPA acids administered in higher doses), although statistically significant, was moderately effective in the treatment of ADHD and little compared to the currently available pharmacological methods of treating the syndrome attention deficit hyperactivity disorder, such as psychostimulants and atomoxetine. However, due to this low effectiveness and the absence of side effects from omega-3 fatty acids, it is possible to extend ADHD treatment with their supplementation. However, it is better to consult your doctor beforehand.
In contrast, British scientists, whose research results were published in 2005 in the journal Pediatrics, believe that taking 1 capsule containing fish oil every day may help reduce the symptoms of attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADD, ADHD) in children and adults. For the purpose of the study, students took fish oil rich in omega-3 fatty acids in the form of supplements for three months. The children showed significant improvements in behavior, reading and spelling. Consequently, Paul Montgomery, a researcher in the department of psychiatry at the University of Oxford in England, recommends giving children 1g of omega-3 fatty acids daily and adds that the ratio of omega-3 to omega-6 should be 4: 1. He also noted that the lack of certain polyunsaturated fatty acids may contribute to dyslexia, attention deficit disorders and attention deficit hyperactivity disorder.
This will be useful to youSupplementation with omega-3 and omega-6 acids cannot be considered the primary method of ADHD treatment. However, more and more research suggests that it may be a supportive method in the treatment of this disorder.
Data sources:
http: //sahlgrenska.gu.se/english/news_and_events/news/News_Detail/omega-3-can-help-children-with-add.cid1241080http: //www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov /pmc/articles/PMC3625948/http://www.additudemag.com/adhd/article/1684.html