Millions of people are diagnosed each year with attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD). While some adults have ADHD it is primarily diagnosed in children. Standard methods of treatment typically include drug medications that can have side effects. New research has found that fish oil can help minimize or alleviate the symptoms of ADHD. This adds to the hope that ADHD can be successfully treated with diet and supplements.
This finding is a result of an Oxford-Durham study of mainstream school children aged five to 12 years old with mild to moderate ADHD. The study was a treatment trial of the effects of fatty acids on childhood behavior and learning. The study was comprehensive with more than 12,000 assessments during the trial.
The study was random with some students taking a supplement of Omega-3 fatty acids while others took a placebo. After three months, those students who took Omega-3 had significant improvements in schoolwork. The study used performance assessments of motor function, reading and spelling along with teacher-rated attention symptoms. Teachers observed that the behavior of the children who took Omega-3 was improved over those who took a placebo.
The decrease in ADHD symptoms is an important finding showing that Omega-3 supplements may actually help to improve or even eliminate many of the symptoms of ADHD. Deficiencies in Omega-3 may account for not only ADHD but also other similar diseases such as dyslexia and autistism. This is good finding for parents of children affected by these disorders.
The study shows a definite link between dietary deficiencies and increased incidence of ADHD symptoms. Omega-3 has been shown to reduce impulsivity, hyperactivity, short attention span and inattention. This gives new hope to parents who wish to treat their children's ADHD through improved diet.
The first place to start is to consume foods with high Omega-3 fatty acids. Omega-3 fatty acids are found naturally in fish such as salmon, cod, mackerel and sardines. Those who don't get enough Omega-3 through their diet should take an Omega-3 supplement. The study found that the results of the Omega-3 supplement were about the same as the results typically found in prescription ADHD medications.
The University of South Australia did a similar study and found that children who took Omega-3 supplements showed a decrease in the symptoms of ADHD.
Parents who are searching for a non-traditional treatment may want to consider giving Omega-3 supplements to their ADHD children. Omega-3 supplements are readily available at most pharmacies and drug stores. It is not included in typical daily vitamin products or multi-vitamin supplements. Always follow the label instructions and consult with your child's doctor before starting a new vitamin or supplement regime.
When the Department for Education and Skills in Britain considered adding fish oil supplements to the curriculum at local schools in 2006, it caused quite a stir. All questions of legality aside, the idea that this would even be a step that was considered is somewhat bold. However, the idea that children aren't getting enough nutrition in their diet is a concern that still makes educators frustrated. With all of the studies linking good nutrition with higher scores on testing, perhaps fish oil needs to be considered once again.
What is Fish Oil
Fish oil is a naturally occurring compound that's, obviously, found in the fatty oils of fish. Composed of essential fatty acids like Omega 3 and Omega 6 fatty acids, these nutrients act differently than regular fats, helping to add healthful benefits to the body rather than causing harmful effects. These fats need to be taken into the body via nutritional choices or supplementation as the body can not produce these chemicals on its own.
The body uses essential fatty acids to help with cellular functions as well as in the control of inflammation in the body. But aside from these functions, essential fatty acids also help the body transmit signals from one nerve to the next as well helping in the role of DNA in the body. When DNA is activated, it creates the messages needed for body functions, so adding fish oil and essential fatty acids to the body is necessary to continue these processes.
How Does Fish Oil Affect the Brain
Before one can discuss the merits of using fish oil for the management of ADHD, it's important to learn how fish oil affects the brain in general. Since fish oil helps in the process of signalling in the brain and along the nervous system, the brain is better able to react to stimuli and things that are sent for processing. For example, if you were to burn your finger and the signalling process wasn't working, you might not realise it for a few seconds, seriously burning the skin on your finger. But when your nervous system is working correctly, it will let you know that your finger is burning and that you need to remove it from the hot surface.
Studies have already shown that fish oil can help with mood disorders like depression and compulsive disorders (according to studies done by the University of Sheffield), so it's not a gigantic leap to understand how these supplements might be advantageous to those with ADHD as well as ADD.
What is ADHD and ADD
These acronyms refer to the conditions of Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder and Attention Deficit Disorder. In these conditions, children and adult have troubles maintaining their focus on the task at hand. For those suffering from hyperactivity as well, they can be restless and agitated in addition to not being able to focus. This can lead to troubles with learning as well as sitting still in a school setting. The typical way to manage this condition is through the use of Ritalin or other pharmaceutical treatments, but there can be an equal number of troubles with taking these drugs. Some children do not respond well to these drugs or they have troubles remembering to take the medication on a regular basis. In addition, the level of the drug can be hard to control in order to get the maximum benefit.
Ritalin has also been linked with dangerous side effects like heart disease, depression, insomnia, suicidal thoughts, and even strokes. However, fish oil does not have any side effects in most children, making it a better choice for those who have had troubles with ADHD drugs in the past.
What are Studies Saying about Fish Oil and ADHD
Some psychologists have read about the possible connection between fish oils and a decrease in symptoms of ADHD and ADD, so they have tried to use fish oil as a way to manage these conditions with dramatic results. Children who have been given 1000 mg of fish oil a day have seen increased concentration and decreased hyperactivity within four to six weeks. Most of these children can be taken off any other drugs they might have been taking.
Teachers that have seen these results have noted that the children do better on their examinations and are quieter and more cooperative in the class room. Children are also noting that they are happier in school and more excited about the learning process. Instead of fearing going to class, children are ready to learn and to work with their class mates.
Conclusion
The idea that a school system would consider adding fish oil supplements to their daily routine in order to curb the rise in ADHD behaviours is an indication of the troubles teachers face on a regular basis. But as fish oil seems to be living up to its promises, it might be something that should be considered a bit more seriously in the future.
Both Alvin Toh & Simon Jones are contributors for EditorialToday. The above articles have been edited for relevancy and timeliness. All write-ups, reviews, tips and guides published by EditorialToday.com and its partners or affiliates are for informational purposes only. They should not be used for any legal or any other type of advice. We do not endorse any author, contributor, writer or article posted by our team.
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