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