Omega-3 fatty acids are dietary essentials, and are critical to brain development and function. Increasing evidence suggests that a relative lack of omega-3 may contribute to many psychiatric and neurodevelopmental disorders. This review focuses on the possible role of fish oil in ADHD and related childhood developmental disorders, evaluating the existing evidence from both research and clinical perspectives.

Theory and experimental evidence support a role for omega-3 in ADHD, dyslexia, developmental coordination disorder (DCD) and autism. Results from controlled treatment trials are mixed, but the few studies in this area have involved different populations and treatment formulations. Dietary supplementation with fish oils (providing EPA and DHA) appears to alleviate ADHD-related symptoms in at least some children, and one study of DCD children also found benefits for academic achievement.

Mental health problems in women and children represent a significant public health problem worldwide, especially in developing countries. The role of nutrition as a cost-effective approach in the prevention and management of these conditions has received recent attention, particularly nutrients such as iron, zinc, and n-3 (omega-3) fatty acids, which play a role in brain structure and function.

Observational studies support a direct association between poor n-3 fatty acid status and increased risk of maternal depression and childhood behavioral disorders such as attention-deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD). However, evidence from intervention trials is weak. Little is known about the benefits of DHA in the prevention of maternal depression and ADHD. A combination of Omega-3 and Omega-6 fatty acids might attenuate the symptoms of ADHD significantly, thus making this dietary intake useful.

Fish oil as ADHD (Omega-3) treatment is not supported by current evidence as a primary treatment for ADHD or related conditions, but further research in this area is clearly warranted.

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Fish oil ADHD