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Fish Oil DHA May Offer Alternative
Treatment for ADHD
ADHD Attention Deficit Disorder
Commonalities among those that have attention-deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) include hyperactivity, emotional instability, poor coordination, short attention span, dificulty concentration, inability to complete tasks, impulsiveness, and difficulty learning. ADHD is common ailment among children with about 4 to 25% of school-age children suffering from some form of the disorder. Almost one quarter of children with ADHD also suffer from one or more specific learning disabilities in math, spelling or reading. Researchers and medical professionals report that ADHD is not only a childhood disorder, but can also be found among adults as well.
Dr. Arnold of Ohio State University recently completed an extensive survey of alternative treatments for ADHD affecting adult patients. Although none of the treatments Dr. Arnold studied have undergone strictly controlled clinical trials some of them may have some merit and be worth trying. Relaxation training, biofeedback, meditation and massage are safe therapies that may have benefits. Fish oil supplementation, vitamins and minerals (in RDA dosages), herbal and homeopathic remedies, laser acupuncture, and anti-fungal (Candida) therapy may also be of benefit to ADHD sufferers. Thyroid dysfunction and chronic lead poisoning are possible causes of ADHD and should be investigated and treated if necessary. Chelation is effective in removing lead. Zinc and magnesium supplementation may be useful if a deficiency is present and St. John's wort (hypericum) should at least be given a pilot study according to Dr. Arnold.
DHA deficiency may be key to ADHD
A study conducted in 1995 had linked ADHD to a deficiency of certain long-chain fatty acids. These acids (arachidonic, eiscosapentaenoic, and docosahexaenoic acids) are all metabolites of the two essential fatty acids, linoleic acid (omega-6) and alpha-linolenic acid (omega-3). Researchers at Purdue University are now leaning towards the conclusion that a subclinical deficiency in docosahexaenoic acid (DHA) is responsible for the abnormal behaviour of children with ADHD. Purdue researchers now believe there is a direct correlation between ADHD and imbalances between omega-6 (linoleic acid) and omega-3 fatty acid DHA. The researchers also found that children with ADHD were breast fed less often as infants than were children without ADHD. Breast milk is an excellent source of DHA. A study is now underway to investigate the effect of oral supplementation with DHA on the behaviour of ADHD-children.
A number of references in this text were taken from the following sources:
Arnold, L. Eugene. Alternative treatments for adults with ADHD. Annals of the New York Academy of Sciences, Vol. 931, June 2001, pp. 310-41
Burgess, John R., et al. Long-chain polyunsaturated fatty acids in children with attention-deficit hyperactivity disorder. American Journal of Clinical Nutrition, Vol. 71 (suppl), January 2000, pp. 327S- 30S
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