New Study Shows Positive Results Regarding the Effect of Omega-3 on Dyslexic and Hyperactive Children

A recently published study (2002) from Northern Ireland shows positive results regarding the effect of Omega-3 fatty acids on dyslexic and hyperactive children. Results could be seen after only 12 weeks of treatment (1).

The study included 41 children with dyslexia (reading difficulties) in addition to ADHD (attention deficit hyperactivity disorder). These conditions commonly occur together. The children were given either Omega-3 fatty acids or placebo. 22 children received a combination product consisting of Omega-3 and Omega-6 oils with vitamin E added, the rest being given placebo capsules. Treatment, comprising 8 capsules daily, continued for only 12 weeks. Immediately following the conclusion of the study the children receiving active treatment already showed significant improvement, in particular those with ADHD symptoms such as learning difficulties, anxiety and hyperactivity.

Previous studies of ADHD children were conducted using only the Omega-3 fatty acid DHA (2), and no certain effect was proven. The same applies to a study in which ADHD patients were given evening primrose oil with Omega-6 (3). Abundant quantities of Omega-6 fatty acids are available via our normal diet in the form of vegetable oils used in bread, margarine, cakes, crisps etc. It is therefore improbable that ADHD children suffer from a deficiency of vegetable fatty acids. On the other hand, we know from consumer surveys that we eat too little fatty fish. The authors therefore conclude that it is probably the combination of Omega-3 fatty acids from fish (EPA) and DHA that is important producing the positive effect.

The Northern Ireland study is very important, focusing as it does on a "patient group" that may contain many of society's future losers. In England it is believed that as many as 70 % of long-term prison inmates have dyslexia. It is estimated that approximately 4 % of American children suffer from ADHD. There have been considerable changes in our diet in recent generations. Among other things, we eat less fatty fish. Children with ADHD often display low values of polyunsaturated fatty acids from fish (4). The study in question shows that children with ADHD and dyslexia should eat more fatty fish - or alternatively take an Omega-3 dietary supplement to ensure their daily requirements are met.

References:
1) Richardson AJ and Basant KP. A randomized double-blind, placebo-controlled study of the effects of supplementation with highly unsaturated fatty acids on ADHD-related symptoms in children with specific learning difficulties. Progress in Neuro-Psychopharmacology & Biol. Psychiatry 2002;26:233-239.

2) Voigt RG, Llorente AM, Beretta MC, et al. Docosahexaenoic acid (DHA) supplementation does not improve the symptoms of attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD). Pediatr. Res. 1999;45:17A.

3) Aman MG, Mitchell EA, and Turbott SH. The effects of essential fatty-acid supplementation by Efamol in hyperactive-children. J. Abnorm. Child Psychol. 1987;15:75-90.

4) Stevens LJ, Zentall SS, Deck JL, et al. Essential fatty-acid metabolism in boys with attention-deficit hyperactivity disorder Am. J. Clin. Nutr. 1995;62:761-768.

*These statements have not been evaluated by the Food and Drug Administration.

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