Biochemical and psychological effects of omega-3/6 supplements in male adolescents with ADHD: a randomized, placebo-controlled, clinical trial

Matsudaira, Toshiko, Gow, Rachel V., Kelly, Joanna, Murphy, Caroline, Potts, Laura, Sumich, Alexander, Ghebremeskel, Kebreab, Crawford, Michael A. and Taylor, Eric (2015) Biochemical and psychological effects of omega-3/6 supplements in male adolescents with ADHD: a randomized, placebo-controlled, clinical trial. Journal of Child and Adolescent Psychopharmacology, 25 (10). pp. 775-782. ISSN 1044-5463

Abstract

An abnormality in long chain-polyunsaturated fatty acid (LC-PUFA) levels has been implicated in Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD). Studies evaluating LC-PUFA supplementation for therapeutic efficacy in ADHD have shown mixed and therefore inconclusive results. Seventy-six male adolescents (aged 12 -16 years, M =13. 7 ) with ADHD were assessed for the effects of 12 weeks omega-3 and omega-6 supplements on biochemical and psychological outcomes in a randomized, placebo-controlled, clinical trial. The primary outcome measure was change in the Conners’ Teacher Rating Scales (CTRS) following 12 weeks of supplementation of LC-PUFA or placebo. At baseline, the placebo and treatment groups had comparable levels of LC-PUFA as measured by red blood cell phosphatidylcholine. In the treatment group, supplementation enhanced eicosapentaenoic acid (EPA), docosahexaenoic acid (DHA) and total omega-3 fatty acid levels. No superiority of LC-PUFAs to placebo was observed on the primary outcome. Furthermore, there were no reliable treatment effects on aggression, impulsivity, depression and anxiety. Future studies should use larger sample sizes and longer supplementation period to detect small-modest effects for clinical recommendations in ADHD.

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