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Current Psychiatry Research and Reviews

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ISSN (Print): 2666-0822
ISSN (Online): 2666-0830

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Research Article

Omega-3 Fatty Acid Supplementation Improves Attention Deficit-Hyperactivity Disorder Symptoms in Children

Author(s): Uri Yatzkar, Eti Amir, Snait Tamir and Ayelet Armon-Omer*

Volume 20, Issue 1, 2024

Published on: 27 January, 2023

Page: [48 - 58] Pages: 11

DOI: 10.2174/2666082219666230103113402

open access plus

Abstract

Background: Attention Deficit-Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD) is one of the most common neuropsychiatric disorders in children. Increasing evidence suggests an association between omega-3 fatty acid and ADHD. We aimed to investigate the effects of 6-month omega- 3 fatty acid supplementation on the fatty-acid profile of erythrocytes and on the clinical severity of ADHD symptoms in children.

Methods: Recruitment included 32 children aged 6-14 years diagnosed with ADHD at the Child and Adolescent Psychiatry Department at Ziv Medical Center, Israel. Intervention included refrigerated omega-3 fatty acid supplementation normalized to body weight. Blood samples were taken at baseline, 3 and 6 months after intervention for quantification of fatty acids from erythrocyte membranes. ADHD symptoms were assessed by parents and teachers according to the ADHD Rating-Scale and the Strengths and Difficulties Questionnaire. ADHD severity was additionally assessed by a psychiatrist according to the Clinical Global Impressions Scale.

Results: Supplementation of omega-3 fatty acid in children with ADHD raised their omega-3 index statistically significantly from an average of 4.4% omega-3 index at baseline to 11.6% after 6 months and had beneficial effects on ADHD symptoms, as measured by validated questionnaires and in accordance with a pediatric psychiatrist examination.

Conclusion: Our pilot study showed that dietary supplementation of omega-3 fatty acid increased the blood omega-3 index levels and improved ADHD symptoms even at the midpoint of 3 months.

Keywords: ADHD, fatty acid, omega-3 fatty acid, supplementation, CGI-S, ADHD-RS.

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