Mission: Get Relief from ADHD Symptoms with DHA/Omega's

Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder

Attention deficit hyperactivity disorder is one of the most common childhood disorders and it affects 5%–10% of school-age children, or 4.4 million youths ages 4–17. Symptoms include difficulty staying focused and paying attention, difficulty controlling behavior, and a general inability to sit still or tendency to be hyperactive.

The Centers for Disease Control (CDC) estimate that 2.5 million of these children receive some type of medication to treat this disorder and, to make matters worse, this condition can continue throughout life, with as many as 70% of children diagnosed with ADHD suffering from the disorder into adolescence and adulthood.3 Studies suggest that children with ADHD may have low levels of certain essential fatty acids (including DHA) in their bodies. In a clinical study of nearly 100 boys, those with lower levels of omega-3 fatty acids demonstrated more learning and behavioral problems—such as temper tantrums and sleep disturbances—than boys with normal omega-3 fatty acid levels.4 In animal studies, low levels of omega-3 fatty acids have been shown to lower the concentration of certain brain chemicals—such as dopamine and serotonin—related to attention and motivation.  5 Randomized clinical trials assessing the effects of omega-3 supplementation on symptoms of ADHD have been published. Some studies indicate supplementing a child’s diet with a combination of long-chain fatty acids including DHA and EPA may be beneficial for reducing symptoms of inattention and hyperactivity when compared with a placebo6,7, while other studies have found no benefit.

Because of the diversity of findings, more research is needed and, as of today, firm conclusions are difficult to draw. However, researchers have proposed that future studies be designed to: 1) better understand the mechanism of action of omega-3 fatty acids in ADHD, 2) identify which children with ADHD might benefit from omega-3 supplementation, 3) determine which fatty acids—and how much—to supplement with, and 4) pinpoint the optimal time for intervention
(e.g. prenatal, infancy, or at time of diagnosis).9 However, until then, consumption of foods and supplements high in omega-3 fatty acids is a reasonable approach for someone with ADHD.

Note by Mission: Clean Kids: It’s just not any supplement with omega-3 fatty acids that we should trust with our children.  All have supplements have different standards.  I trust with my daughters the only company I know that has done over 80 tests specifically to avoid toxins and chemicals.  See more about Mighty Smart DHA chews here.