Effects of an open-label pilot study with high-dose EPA/DHA concentrates on plasma phospholipids and behavior in children with attention deficit hyperactivity disorder.
BACKGROUND
Attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) is the most common neurological condition in children. This pilot study evaluated the effects of high-dose eicosapentaenoic acid (EPA) and docosahexaenoic acid (DHA) supplementation on the isolated plasma phospholipids and behavior in children with ADHD (primarily inattentive subtype and combined subtype).


METHODS
Nine children were initially supplemented with 16.2 g EPA/DHA concentrates per day. The dosage was adjusted dependent on the ratio of arachidonic acid (AA) to EPA in the isolated plasma phospholipids at four weeks to reach a level normally found in the Japanese population.


RESULTS
At the end of the eight-week study, supplementation resulted in significant increases in EPA and DHA, as well as a significant reduction in the AA:EPA ratio (20.78 +/- 5.26 to 5.95 +/- 7.35, p < 0.01). A psychiatrist (blind to supplement compliance or dosage modifications) reported significant improvements in behavior (inattention, hyperactivity, oppositional/defiant behavior, and conduct disorder). There was also a significant correlation between the reduction in the AA:EPA ratio and global severity of illness scores.


CONCLUSIONS
The findings of this small pilot study suggest supplementation with high-dose EPA/DHA concentrates may improve behavior in children with ADHD.
Sorgi
Paul J
PJ
Hallowell Center, Sudbury, MA 01776, USA. pjsorgi@aol.com
Hallowell
Edward M
EM
Hutchins
Heather L
HL
Sears
Barry
B
D001289:Attention Deficit Disorder with Hyperactivity / Q000097:blood / Q000188:drug therapy* / Q000473:pathology; D002648:Child; D002652:Child Behavior / Q000187:drug effects*; D019587:Dietary Supplements; D004281:Docosahexaenoic Acids / Q000494:pharmacology / Q000627:therapeutic use*; D015118:Eicosapentaenoic Acid / Q000494:pharmacology / Q000627:therapeutic use*; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D010743:Phospholipids / Q000097:blood* / Q000737:chemistry; D010865:Pilot Projects; D012720:Severity of Illness Index; D016896:Treatment Outcome
D010743:Phospholipids; D004281:Docosahexaenoic Acids; D015118:Eicosapentaenoic Acid