Diet breakthrough for ADHD
Published: August 17, 2005
Australian researchers have discovered that fish oil rich in omega 3 and 6 fatty acids may improve attention spans and even help children with ADHD.
Children with behavioural problems can seem like little terrors. But according to doctors, they are not problem kids: they are sick kids.
Experts have long debated whether or not attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) even exists, let alone an effective treatment or cure. But a new study has claimed results.
Researchers at the University of South Australia and CSIRO studied 145 children with ADHD, giving some capsules containing fish oil high in omega 3 and 6 fatty acids. Other children took a pure placebo capsule.
Natalie Sinn, who oversaw the research project, said researchers spoke to the childrens parents.
“What we found was that after the fifteen weeks, is that [in] the children who had the fish oil, parents reported an improved concentration,” Ms Sinn said. “They were calmer, they could read better.”
Tests given to the children who took fish oil revealed an increase in attention, as did parents’ reports. There was no improvement in the children who took the placebo.
While it was not known exactly how the fish oil products made a difference, Ms Sinn described it as “oiling the brain”.
“Because these omega 3 fatty acids that are in the fish oil are very concentrated in the brain, researchers believe that they help with brain function,” Ms Sinn said.
“So the signals that are sent through our brain are sent through neural membranes and the fats are very concentrated in those membranes.”
The most effective oils were found naturally in some canned fish, certain vegetables, seed and nut products.
“A lot of the foods that are rich in omega 3 fatty acids are dark green leafy vegetables, certain types of fish like salmon, tuna and mackerel and things like that,” Ms Sinn said. “And also you can get the fish oil from supplements.”
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