04.18.08
Indication: Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD)
Source: Nutr J, February 14, 2008;7(1):8.
Research: The purpose of this study was to examine differences in dietary intake, particularly of essential fatty acids, and determine whether this could explain the typical abnormalities in red blood cell fatty acids observed in previous studies of young children. While most studies of ADHD have focused on either young children or older adults, this one evaluated the diets of 11 ADHD adolescents and 12 adolescent control participants to determine if there is a correlation between fatty acid intake and ADHD.
Results: The study revealed that teens with ADHD take in higher amounts of fats and energy than their non-ADHD peers and that both groups consume equal amounts of omega 3 and 6 fatty acids. However, the teens with ADHD showed lower levels of DHA (docosahexaenoic acid) and total omega 3 fatty acids, higher levels of omega 6, and lower ratios of omega 3 to omega 6 in comparison to the control participants. It appears that the irregularities in fatty acid levels in adolescents with ADHD are not due to consumption differences, but that teens with ADHD metabolize fatty acids differently than their non-ADHD peers. Researchers say more research will be needed to determine if teens with ADHD would benefit from additional omega 3 supplementation to their diets.