F
future
Guest
Omega-3s May Help Kids with Behavior Problems
Children with symptoms of attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) may do as well by taking omega-3 fatty acid supplements as they do with the stimulant drugs often prescribed. Omega-3 fatty acids are found in fish and seafood and are key to brain development and function. A British research team recently reported on a study showing that omega-3 supplements brought about ?highly significant improvements? in reading, spelling and behavior among youngsters with a condition called developmental coordination disorder (DCD). The Oxford University researchers randomly assigned 117 children between the ages of 5 and 12 who had DCD to take fatty acid supplements (primarily omega-3) or a placebo for three months, and monitored their basic communication skills and behavior. The investigators noted that the omega-3 supplements worked as well as stimulant drugs would for ADHD symptoms among the study participants. The Oxford researchers now want to study whether the same beneficial results can be achieved with dietary changes. The study was reported in the May 2005 issue of Pediatrics.
Sources:
Pediatrics, May 2005
Children with symptoms of attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) may do as well by taking omega-3 fatty acid supplements as they do with the stimulant drugs often prescribed. Omega-3 fatty acids are found in fish and seafood and are key to brain development and function. A British research team recently reported on a study showing that omega-3 supplements brought about ?highly significant improvements? in reading, spelling and behavior among youngsters with a condition called developmental coordination disorder (DCD). The Oxford University researchers randomly assigned 117 children between the ages of 5 and 12 who had DCD to take fatty acid supplements (primarily omega-3) or a placebo for three months, and monitored their basic communication skills and behavior. The investigators noted that the omega-3 supplements worked as well as stimulant drugs would for ADHD symptoms among the study participants. The Oxford researchers now want to study whether the same beneficial results can be achieved with dietary changes. The study was reported in the May 2005 issue of Pediatrics.
Sources:
Pediatrics, May 2005
