The influence of short-chain essential fatty acids on children with attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder: a double-blind placebo-controlled study.
Essential fatty acids (EFA) are needed for normal sensory, cognitive, and motor function. The EFA blood profile seems to be different in children with attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) as compared to matched controls. Previous open EFA supplementation trials were successful in demonstrating significant therapeutic effects in this population, whereas most of the randomized controlled trials failed to show any benefit over placebo. The current randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled trial tested the influence of short-chain EFA supplementation on ADHD children, using parent and teacher questionnaires and a computerized continuous performance test. A total of 73 unmedicated children aged 7-13 years with a diagnosis of ADHD participated in the study; 63 children completed the study. The EFA supplement contained 480 mg of linoleic acid and 120 mg of alpha-linolenic acid, and the placebo contained 1000 mg of vitamin C (daily amounts); both were given for a 7-week supplementation period. Analysis of variance for repeated measures revealed that both treatments ameliorated some of the symptoms, but no significant differences were found between the groups in any of the treatment effects.
The Leslie and Susan Gonda (Goldschmied) Multidisciplinary Brain Research Center, Bar-Ilan University, Weinberg Child Development Center, Sheba Medical Center, Tel-Hashomer, Israel. raanan.raz@sheba.health.gov.il
Raanan
R
Raz
Rafael L
RL
Carasso
Shlomo
S
Yehuda
D000293:Adolescent; D001289:Attention Deficit Disorder with Hyperactivity / Q000188:drug therapy*; D002648:Child; D004305:Dose-Response Relationship, Drug; D004311:Double-Blind Method; D004338:Drug Combinations; D005228:Fatty Acids, Essential / Q000008:administration & dosage / Q000009:adverse effects* / Q000627:therapeutic use*; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D019787:Linoleic Acid / Q000008:administration & dosage / Q000009:adverse effects / Q000627:therapeutic use; D008297:Male; D011581:Psychological Tests; D011597:Psychomotor Performance / Q000187:drug effects; D011795:Surveys and Questionnaires; D017962:alpha-Linolenic Acid / Q000008:administration & dosage / Q000009:adverse effects / Q000627:therapeutic use
D004338:Drug Combinations; D005228:Fatty Acids, Essential; D017962:alpha-Linolenic Acid; D019787:Linoleic Acid