The impact of polyunsaturated fatty acids in reducing child attention deficit and hyperactivity disorders.
OBJECTIVE
To review the impact of polyunsaturated fatty acids (PUFA) in reducing ADHD symptoms in children.


METHODS
Peer-reviewed experimental literature published from 1980 to Mai 2009 is consulted (Psychinfo, Medline, and resulting reference lists).


RESULTS
Placebo-controlled studies with ADHD or hyperactive children show no effects on behaviors or cognition when only n-6 (omega-6) PUFA, only docosahexaenoic acid (DHA), or n-6 and n-3 (omega-3) short-chain PUFA are supplemented. Yet three out of four studies suggest that a combination of long-chain n-3 and n-6 fatty acids (DHA, eicosapentaenoic acid [EPA], and gamma-linolenic acid [GLA]) supplemented daily for 3 to 4 months could lead to a reduction in ADHD symptomatology. Results on cognitive outcomes are inconsistent.


CONCLUSIONS
Evidence is too limited to reach definitive conclusions but suggests that research on the impact of long-chain PUFA (n-3 and n-6) should continue with special focus on individual differences (genetic and fatty acid markers), mechanisms (brain imaging), and new enhanced methods of systematic observations of behaviors.
Transler
Catherine
C
Unilever Food and Health Research Institute, the Netherlands. catherine.transler@unilever.com
Eilander
Ans
A
Mitchell
Siobhan
S
van de Meer
Nelly
N
D001289:Attention Deficit Disorder with Hyperactivity / Q000178:diet therapy*; D002648:Child; D002986:Clinical Trials as Topic; D019587:Dietary Supplements; D005231:Fatty Acids, Unsaturated / Q000627:therapeutic use*; D006801:Humans; D016896:Treatment Outcome
D005231:Fatty Acids, Unsaturated