In a meta-analysis review of both randomized controlled trials (RCT) and case-control studies, the effects of omega-3 (n-3) polyunsaturated fatty acids (PUFAs) on both clinical symptoms and cognition in children and adolescent with ADHD was assessed. The RCT reviewed 534 youths with ADHD, supplemented with omega-3 polyunsaturated fatty acids. Improved clinical symptoms of ADHD (p<0.0001) was demonstrated in this group. In the three RCTs (n=214) ADHD diagnosed youths, supplemented with omega-3 polyunsaturated fatty acids were also demonstrated to “improve cognitive measures associated with attention (g=1.09, p=0.001)”. It was also observed that both children and adults diagnosed with ADHD had lower levels of n-3 PUFAs, “DHA (seven studies, n=412, g=−0.76, p=0.0002), EPA (seven studies, n=468, g=−0.38, p=0.0008), and total n-3 PUFAs (six studies, n=396, g=−0.58, p=0.0001).” It was concluded that n-3 PUFA supplementation “improve(d) clinical symptoms and cognitive performances in children and adolescents with ADHD,” and thus substantiates the use of omega-3 fatty acid in both of these groups with ADHD.
Chang J-C, Su K-P, Mondelli V, Pariante CM. Omega-3 Polyunsaturated Fatty Acids in Youths with Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD): A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis of Clinical Trials and Biological Studies. Neuropsychopharmacology. (25 July 2017) | doi:10.1038/npp.2017.160.\r\nPublished online ahead of print.