Omega 3 DHA May Aid Children with ADHD, Study Says
There are two main active types of omega 3 fats – EPA and DHA – that play different roles in brain function and development. A recent study out of Australia found that Omega 3 DHA may improve literacy skills in children with ADHD. Children with higher levels of DHA in their red blood cells were found to have fewer symptoms of ADHD, and increased reading and spelling abilities than those with lower levels of DHA. The only caveat is that there was no improvement in literacy or behavior when DHA/EPA was supplemented into the diet of these children. The effect of the fat was only seen in those with high levels of the omega 3 fat pre-existing in the blood. The same study found that high levels of EPA in the blood were connected to less anxiety and shyness.
Omega 3s seem to have been deemed the “miracle” fat lately as they are believed to reduce risk for a variety of illnesses from heart attacks to diabetes. Omega 3 fats also play a HUGE role in our brain as it is 60% fat! Omega 3s are especially important for children whose brains are still developing. There is significant research that has shown that fat levels play a role in the severity of symptoms of ADHD in children.
To learn more about Omega 3 DHA and EPA, read here, and check out our blog post on the best vitamins to help with ADHD.
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