title: Effect of n-3 supplementation on hyperactivity, oxidative stress and inflammatory mediators in children with attention-deficit-hyperactivity disorder.
abstract: 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).
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  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.
authors.affiliation: Department of Nutrition, School of Public Health, Tehran University of Medical Science, Tehran, Iran.
authors.forename: M
authors.initials: M
authors.lastname: Hariri
authors.affiliation: Department of Nutrition and Biochemistry, School of Public Health, Tehran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran.
authors.forename: A
authors.initials: A
authors.lastname: Djazayery
authors.affiliation: Department of Nutrition and Biochemistry, School of Public Health, Tehran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran.
authors.forename: M
authors.initials: M
authors.lastname: Djalali
authors.affiliation: Department of Nutrition and Biochemistry, School of Public Health, Tehran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran.
authors.forename: A
authors.initials: A
authors.lastname: Saedisomeolia
authors.affiliation: Department of Epidemiology and, Biostatistics, School of Public Health, Tehran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran.
authors.forename: A
authors.initials: A
authors.lastname: Rahimi
authors.affiliation: Ebne Sina Hospital, Department of Psychiatry, School of Medicine, Mashhad University of Medical Sciences, Mashhad, Iran.
authors.forename: E
authors.initials: E
authors.lastname: Abdolahian
mesh_terms: D001289:Attention Deficit Disorder with Hyperactivity / Q000188:drug therapy*; D002097:C-Reactive Protein / Q000032:analysis; D002648:Child; D019587:Dietary Supplements; D004311:Double-Blind Method; D015525:Fatty Acids, Omega-3 / Q000008:administration & dosage*; D005260:Female; D005980:Glutathione Reductase / Q000097:blood; D006801:Humans; D007249:Inflammation / Q000188:drug therapy*; D015850:Interleukin-6 / Q000097:blood; D008297:Male; D018384:Oxidative Stress / Q000187:drug effects*; D010919:Placebos; D013482:Superoxide Dismutase / Q000097:blood
chemical_list: D015525:Fatty Acids, Omega-3; D015850:Interleukin-6; D010919:Placebos; D002097:C-Reactive Protein; D013482:Superoxide Dismutase; D005980:Glutathione Reductase