Abstract
Interest in the value of omega.3 (n 3) fatty acid supplementation for treatment of ADHD remains high. No prior meta-analysis has examined whether ADHD is associated with alterations in blood lipid levels and meta-analyses of supplementation have reached conflicting conclusions. Methods: We report two new meta-analyses. Study 1 examined blood levels of omega. 3 fatty acids in relation to ADHD. Study 2 examined a larger sample of randomized intervention trials than previously reported. Results: Study 1 included 9 studies (n=586) and found lower overall blood levels of n. 3 in individuals with ADHD versus controls (g=0.42, 95% CI=0.26-0.59; p. <. 001). Study 2 included 16 studies (n=1408) and found that n. 3 supplementation improved ADHD composite symptoms; using the best available rating and reporter (g=0.26, 95% CI=0.15-0.37; p. <. 001). Supplementation showed reliable effects on hyperactivity by parent and teacher report, but reliable effects for inattention only by parent report. Conclusions: Omega. 3 levels are reduced in children with ADHD. Dietary supplementation appears to create modest improvements in symptoms. There is sufficient evidence to consider omega. 3 fatty acids as a possible supplement to established therapies. However it remains unclear whether such intervention should be confined to children with below normal blood levels.
Original language | English (US) |
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Pages (from-to) | 496-505 |
Number of pages | 10 |
Journal | Clinical Psychology Review |
Volume | 34 |
Issue number | 6 |
DOIs | |
State | Published - Aug 2014 |
Keywords
- ADHD
- Intervention
- Meta-analysis
- Omega-3
- Polyunsaturated fatty acids
- Supplementation
ASJC Scopus subject areas
- Clinical Psychology
- Psychiatry and Mental health