Omega-3 and ADHD

Plain-language summary

Research suggests that while omega-3 supplements might offer some benefits for ADHD symptoms, especially in children, the evidence is a bit mixed. Some studies show a modest positive effect, but others indicate that the benefits might be limited or require specific formulations, like those including phosphatidylserine. More research is still needed, especially concerning the long-term effects and optimal dosages.

Key findings

• Omega-3 supplements, particularly when combined with omega-6 fatty acids, may modestly improve ADHD symptoms in some children.
• The effectiveness of omega-3 supplements for ADHD can vary, and some studies show limited benefits.
• Specific combinations, like phosphatidylserine enriched with omega-3 fatty acids, might be more effective for ADHD symptoms in children, especially those with epilepsy.
• Taking omega-3s during pregnancy and lactation shows promise for child neurodevelopment, which could indirectly relate to ADHD risk, though this area needs more direct research.
• The overall research suggests that omega-3s are generally safe, but their impact on ADHD symptoms is not consistently strong across all studies.

Studies cited (8)

1. Pharmacological and dietary-supplement treatments for autism spectrum disorder: a systematic review and network meta-analysis — Siafis S, Çıray O, Wu H (2022, Molecular autism, meta-analysis)

   DOI: 10.1186/s13229-022-00488-4 PMCID: PMC8896153

2. Omega-3 fatty acid supplementation for the treatment of children with attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder symptomatology: systematic review and meta-analysis — Bloch MH, Qawasmi A (2011, Journal of the American Academy of Child and Adolescent Psychiatry, meta-analysis)

   DOI: 10.1016/j.jaac.2011.06.008 PMCID: PMC3625948

3. Omega-3 Fatty Acid Dietary Supplements Consumed During Pregnancy and Lactation and Child Neurodevelopment: A Systematic Review — Nevins JEH, Donovan SM, Snetselaar L (2021, The Journal of nutrition, systematic-review)

   DOI: 10.1093/jn/nxab238 PMCID: PMC8764572

4. Phosphatidylserine enriched with polyunsaturated n-3 fatty acid supplementation for attention-deficit hyperactivity disorder in children and adolescents with epilepsy: A randomized placebo-controlled trial — Rheims S, Herbillon V, Gaillard S (2024, Epilepsia open, rct)

   DOI: 10.1002/epi4.12892 PMCID: PMC10984292

5. Efficacy of Omega-3/Omega-6 Fatty Acids in Preschool Children at Risk of ADHD: A Randomized Placebo-Controlled Trial — Döpfner M, Dose C, Breuer D (2021, Journal of attention disorders, rct)

   DOI: 10.1177/1087054719883023

6. Polyunsaturated fatty acids (PUFA) for attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) in children and adolescents — Gillies D, Leach MJ, Perez Algorta G (2023, The Cochrane database of systematic reviews, other)

   DOI: 10.1002/14651858.CD007986.pub3 PMCID: PMC10103546

7. Effects of Omega 3 Fatty Acids on Main Dimensions of Psychopathology — Bozzatello P, De Rosa ML, Rocca P (2020, International journal of molecular sciences, other)

   DOI: 10.3390/ijms21176042 PMCID: PMC7504659

8. Do Omega-3/6 Fatty Acids Have a Therapeutic Role in Children and Young People with ADHD? — Derbyshire E (2017, Journal of lipids, other)

   DOI: 10.1155/2017/6285218 PMCID: PMC5603098