How Fish Oil Relates To Atention Deficit Disorder And Disruptive Behavior Problems In Children

Here's another study looking at the the relationship between omega 3 fatty acids (fish oil) and ADHD and behavior problems in children.

This study looked at supplementing either fish oil and vitamin E, or placebo (olive oil) in children with ADHD-like symptoms, thirst and skin problems, and whether it had an effect on their blood levels of EPA, DHA, and Vitamin E, as well as changes in their disruptive behaviors and symptoms.

Fifty children were involved in the study, and specifically, they were given 480 mg of DHA, 80 mg of EPA, 40 mg of arachidonic acid, 96 mg of GLA, and 24 mg of vitamin E (alpha-tocopheryl acetate) in the treatment group, and olive oil in the placebo group. And the study was continued for four months.

It was found that giving the omega 3 oils caused an increase in EPA, DHA, and vitamin E in the blood cells.

In terms of behavior, there was a significant improvement in ADHD like symptoms in both groups.

In terms of the numbers, the fish oil group had slightly better results than the olive oil group, but as mentioned, both groups had improvement in symptoms.

What was more significant was the group taking the omega 3 fatty acids showed more improvement in oppositional defiant behavior, compared to the group taking olive oil.

There was 'significant' correlation between how much EPA (an omega 3 fatty acid) was increased in red blood cells, and a decrease in 'disruptive behavior' as measured by the Abbreviated Symptom Questionnaire by parents.

There was also a correlation between vitamin E levels and decreasing Disruptive Behavior Disorders Rating Scale measurements by teachers.

The study concluded that there would be value in further research in omega 3 fish oils as well as vitamin E on children with behavioral disorders.

So it seems as if this is another study showing a relationship between omega 3 fish oils, as well as a possible relationship between vitamin E and disruptive behaviors in children.

Reference:

Stevens L, Zhang W et al. EFA supplementation in children with inattention, hyperactivity, and other disruptive behaviors. Lipids. 2003 Oct;38(10):1007-21