Differential cognitive effects of DHA-enriched and standard phosphatidylserine formulations in children with ADHD: a
Caglar Charles Daniel Jaicks1, Reyhan Calisan Kinter1
1Department of Child and Adolescent Psychiatry, Istanbul Aydin University, Istanbul, Turkey.
Insights
Higher doses of phosphatidylserine (PS) with docosahexaenoic acid (DHA) significantly improved cognitive function in children with ADHD symptoms. This PS Plus formulation showed superior benefits compared to placebo and other PS versions.
Area of Science:
- Neuroscience
- Nutritional Science
- Pediatric Psychology
Background:
- Attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) impacts cognitive function in children.
- Phosphatidylserine (PS) and docosahexaenoic acid (DHA) are investigated for their potential cognitive benefits.
- Understanding the efficacy of different PS formulations is crucial for managing ADHD symptoms.
Purpose of the Study:
- To evaluate the cognitive effects of three phosphatidylserine (PS) formulations, with or without docosahexaenoic acid (DHA), in children aged 10-14 years.
- To compare the efficacy of a higher-dose PS with DHA formulation against placebo and lower-dose PS formulations.
- To assess improvements in attention, impulsivity, hyperactivity, and cognitive flexibility.
Main Methods:
- A randomized, placebo-controlled trial involving 45 medication-naïve children with ADHD or subthreshold symptoms.
- Participants received placebo, PS Capsule, PS Sachet, or PS Plus Capsule (higher-dose PS + DHA) for eight weeks.
- Cognitive performance was measured using the MOXO continuous performance test and the Stroop test at baseline and post-intervention.
Main Results:
- The PS Plus group demonstrated the most significant improvements in attention, impulsivity, and hyperactivity.
- This group also showed the largest reductions in reaction time and significant decreases in Stroop error rates and correction counts.
- Other PS formulations and placebo showed smaller, comparable cognitive changes.
Conclusions:
- Higher-dose phosphatidylserine combined with DHA (PS Plus) offers superior cognitive benefits for children with ADHD symptoms.
- This formulation enhances attention, impulsivity control, and cognitive flexibility.
- The findings support the use of specific PS + DHA formulations for improving cognitive function in pediatric ADHD.
Objective:
This randomized, placebo-controlled trial investigated the cognitive effects of three phosphatidylserine (PS) formulations, with or without docosahexaenoic acid (DHA), in children aged 10-14 years diagnosed with attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) or presenting with clinically significant subthreshold ADHD symptoms.
Material And Methods:
Forty-five medication-naïve children meeting DSM-5 criteria for ADHD or exhibiting subthreshold symptoms confirmed by standardized parent-teacher rating scales (Turgay/Conners) and clinical evaluation were randomized in a 1:1:1:1 ratio to receive placebo, PS Capsule (100 mg PS + 17.78 mg DHA), PS Sachet (117.78 mg PS without DHA), or PS Plus Capsule (150 mg PS + 26.67 mg DHA) for eight weeks. Cognitive performance was assessed at baseline and post-intervention using the MOXO continuous performance test and the Stroop test.
Results:
Significant between-group differences were observed across MOXO and Stroop outcomes. The PS Plus group showed the greatest improvements in attention, impulsivity, and hyperactivity, along with the largest reductions in reaction time. The placebo, Capsule, and Sachet groups demonstrated smaller and generally comparable changes. Stroop error rates and correction counts decreased significantly only in the PS Plus group, suggesting enhanced inhibitory control and cognitive flexibility.
Conclusion:
Higher-dose phosphatidylserine combined with DHA (PS Plus) yielded superior cognitive benefits compared with placebo and lower-dose formulations.
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