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Event Related Potentials (ERPs) and other EEG Based Methods for Extracting Biomarkers of Brain Dysfunction: Examples from Pediatric Attention Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD)
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Event Related Potentials (ERPs) and other EEG Based Methods for Extracting Biomarkers of Brain Dysfunction: Examples from Pediatric Attention Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD)

Published on: March 12, 2020

Polyunsaturated fatty acids, cognition and literacy in children with ADHD with and without learning difficulties

Catherine M Milte1, Natalie Sinn, Jonathan D Buckley

  • 1Nutritional Physiology Research Centre, University of South Australia, Australia.

Journal of Child Health Care : for Professionals Working with Children in the Hospital and Community
|August 11, 2011
PubMed

Insights

Low omega-3 polyunsaturated fatty acid (PUFA) levels in children with ADHD may impact learning and behavior. Higher omega-3s correlated with better reading and lower anxiety, while higher omega-6s were linked to poorer academic performance.

Area of Science:

  • Neuroscience
  • Nutritional Science
  • Developmental Psychology

Background:

  • Suboptimal omega-3 polyunsaturated fatty acid (n-3 PUFA) levels are implicated in attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD).
  • Understanding the relationship between PUFA status and cognitive/behavioral outcomes in children with ADHD is crucial.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To investigate associations between erythrocyte n-3 and omega-6 (n-6) PUFA levels and learning/behavior in children with ADHD.
  • To compare PUFA status in children with ADHD with and without learning difficulties.

Main Methods:

  • Assessed erythrocyte PUFA levels in 75 children (aged 7-12) with ADHD via blood samples.
  • Administered cognitive assessments and parent-completed questionnaires (including Conners' Rating Scales).
  • Analyzed relationships between PUFA levels and cognitive/behavioral measures, controlling for covariates.

Main Results:

  • Higher n-3 PUFA levels predicted lower anxiety/shyness.
  • Higher docosahexaenoic acid (DHA) was associated with better word reading.
  • Higher n-6 PUFA levels correlated with poorer reading, vocabulary, spelling, and attention.
  • Children with ADHD and learning difficulties had significantly lower DHA levels compared to those without.

Conclusions:

  • Erythrocyte PUFA status is linked to specific cognitive and behavioral outcomes in children with ADHD.
  • Lower DHA levels may be a distinguishing factor in ADHD children with learning difficulties.
  • Findings suggest that children with ADHD, particularly those with learning difficulties, may benefit from n-3 PUFA supplementation.

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