Effect of n-3 supplementation on hyperactivity, oxidative stress and inflammatory mediators in children with
M Hariri1, A Djazayery2, M Djalali2
1Department of Nutrition, School of Public Health, Tehran University of Medical Science, Tehran, Iran.
Insights
Omega-3 fatty acid supplementation reduced inflammation and oxidative stress in children with ADHD. This suggests n-3 fatty acids may be an effective treatment for ADHD symptoms.
Area of Science:
- Pediatric Neurology
- Nutritional Psychiatry
Background:
- Attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) is linked to learning, behavioral, and psychosocial difficulties.
- Inflammation and oxidative stress may play a role in ADHD development.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the impact of omega-3 (n-3) fatty acid supplementation on hyperactivity, oxidative stress, and inflammatory markers in children with ADHD.
Main Methods:
- A double-blind study involving 103 children (6-12 years) with ADHD.
- Participants received either n-3 fatty acids (635 mg EPA, 195 mg DHA) or placebo (olive oil) for 8 weeks.
- Assessed plasma C-reactive protein (CRP), interleukin-6 (IL-6), glutathione reductase (GR), catalase (CAT), superoxide dismutase (SOD) activity, and ADHD symptoms via Conners' Abbreviated Questionnaires (ASQ-P).
Main Results:
- Significant reductions in CRP and IL-6 levels were observed in the n-3 group.
- Increased activity of SOD and GR was noted in the n-3 group.
- The n-3 group showed significant improvement in ASQ-P scores.
Conclusions:
- Eight weeks of EPA and DHA supplementation effectively reduced inflammatory mediators and oxidative stress in children with ADHD.
- n-3 fatty acid supplementation appears to be a safe and effective treatment option for pediatric ADHD.
Background:
Attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) is associated with difficulties in learning, behaviour and psychosocial adjustment that persist into adulthood. Decreased omega-3 fatty acids and increased inflammation or oxidative stress may contribute to neuro-developmental and psychiatric disorders such as ADHD. The aim of this study was to determine the effect of n-3 supplementation on hyperactivity, oxidative stress and inflammatory mediators in children with ADHD.
Methods:
In this double blind study, 103 children (6-12 years) with ADHD receiving maintenance therapy were assigned randomly into two groups. The n-3 group received n-3 fatty acids (635 mg eicosapentaenoic acid (EPA), 195 mg docosahexaenoic acid (DHA)), and the placebo group received olive oil capsules which were visually similar to the n-3 capsules. The duration of supplementation was 8 weeks. Plasma C-reactive protein (CRP), interleukin-6 (IL-6) and the activity of glutathione reductase (GR), catalase (CAT) and superoxide dismutase (SOD) were determined before and after the intervention. Likewise the Conners' Abbreviated Questionnaires (ASQ-P) was applied.
Results:
After 8-week intervention, a significant reduction was observed in the levels of CRP ( P < 0.05, 95% CI = 0.72-2.02) and IL-6 (P < 0.001, 95% CI = 1.93-24.33) in the n-3 group. There was also a significant increase in activity of SOD and GR (P < 0.001). A significant improvement was seen in the ASQ-P scores in the n-3 group (P < 005).
Conclusion:
Eight weeks of EPA and DHA supplementation decreased plasma inflammatory mediators and oxidative stress in the children with ADHD. These results suggest that n-3 fatty acid supplementation may offer a safe and efficacious treatment for children with ADHD.
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