| Millions of people are diagnosed each year with | | | | also other similar diseases such as dyslexia and |
| attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD). | | | | autistism. This is good finding for parents of |
| While some adults have ADHD it is primarily | | | | children affected by these disorders. |
| diagnosed in children. Standard methods of | | | | The study shows a definite link between dietary |
| treatment typically include drug medications that | | | | deficiencies and increased incidence of ADHD |
| can have side effects. New research has found | | | | symptoms. Omega-3 has been shown to reduce |
| that fish oil can help minimize or alleviate the | | | | impulsivity, hyperactivity, short attention span and |
| symptoms of ADHD. This adds to the hope that | | | | inattention. This gives new hope to parents who |
| ADHD can be successfully treated with diet and | | | | wish to treat their childrens ADHD through |
| supplements. | | | | improved diet. |
| This finding is a result of an Oxford-Durham study | | | | The first place to start is to consume foods with |
| of mainstream school children aged five to 12 | | | | high Omega-3 fatty acids. Omega-3 fatty acids |
| years old with mild to moderate ADHD. The | | | | are found naturally in fish such as salmon, cod, |
| study was a treatment trial of the effects of | | | | mackerel and sardines. Those who dont get |
| fatty acids on childhood behavior and learning. The | | | | enough Omega-3 through their diet should take an |
| study was comprehensive with more than 12,000 | | | | Omega-3 supplement. The study found that the |
| assessments during the trial. | | | | results of the Omega-3 supplement were about |
| The study was random with some students | | | | the same as the results typically found in |
| taking a supplement of Omega-3 fatty acids while | | | | prescription ADHD medications. |
| others took a placebo. After three months, those | | | | The University of South Australia did a similar |
| students who took Omega-3 had significant | | | | study and found that children who took Omega-3 |
| improvements in schoolwork. The study used | | | | supplements showed a decrease in the |
| performance assessments of motor function, | | | | symptoms of ADHD. |
| reading and spelling along with teacher-rated | | | | Parents who are searching for a non-traditional |
| attention symptoms. Teachers observed that the | | | | treatment may want to consider giving Omega-3 |
| behavior of the children who took Omega-3 was | | | | supplements to their ADHD children. Omega-3 |
| improved over those who took a placebo. | | | | supplements are readily available at most |
| The decrease in ADHD symptoms is an important | | | | pharmacies and drug stores. It is not included in |
| finding showing that Omega-3 supplements may | | | | typical daily vitamin products or multi-vitamin |
| actually help to improve or even eliminate many | | | | supplements. Always follow the label instructions |
| of the symptoms of ADHD. Deficiencies in | | | | and consult with your childs doctor before |
| Omega-3 may account for not only ADHD but | | | | starting a new vitamin or supplement regime. |