ERIC Number: EJ903072
Record Type: Journal
Publication Date: 2010-Nov
Pages: 15
Abstractor: As Provided
ISBN: N/A
ISSN: ISSN-1087-0547
EISSN: N/A
The Impact of Polyunsaturated Fatty Acids in Reducing Child Attention Deficit and Hyperactivity Disorders
Transler, Catherine; Eilander, Ans; Mitchell, Siobhan; van de Meer, Nelly
Journal of Attention Disorders, v14 n3 p232-246 Nov 2010
Objectives: To review the impact of polyunsaturated fatty acids (PUFA) in reducing ADHD symptoms in children. Methods: Peer-reviewed experimental literature published from 1980 to Mai 2009 is consulted (Psychinfo, Medline, and resulting reference lists). Results: Placebo-controlled studies with ADHD or hyperactive children show no effects on behaviors or cognition when only n-6 (omega-6) PUFA, only docosahexaenoic acid (DHA), or n-6 and n-3 (omega-3) short-chain PUFA are supplemented. Yet three out of four studies suggest that a combination of long-chain n-3 and n-6 fatty acids (DHA, eicosapentaenoic acid [EPA], and gamma-linolenic acid [GLA]) supplemented daily for 3 to 4 months could lead to a reduction in ADHD symptomatology. Results on cognitive outcomes are inconsistent. Conclusions: Evidence is too limited to reach definitive conclusions but suggests that research on the impact of long-chain PUFA (n-3 and n-6) should continue with special focus on individual differences (genetic and fatty acid markers), mechanisms (brain imaging), and new enhanced methods of systematic observations of behaviors. (Contains 2 tables.)
Descriptors: Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder, Attention Deficit Disorders, Neurology, Nutrition, Symptoms (Individual Disorders), Individual Differences, Genetics, Brain, Diagnostic Tests, Outcomes of Treatment, Biochemistry
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Publication Type: Journal Articles; Reports - Research
Education Level: N/A
Audience: N/A
Language: English
Sponsor: N/A
Authoring Institution: N/A
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