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EPA ADHD
Children with symptoms of ADHD (Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder) have been found to have lower concentrations of essential fatty acids in their blood. Many researchers have consequently identified a lack of essential fatty acids in their diet, or perhaps an abnormal fatty acid metabolism, as a significant factor in ADHD.
If this is the case, then the suggestion is that by incorporating the right fatty acids into the diet, then the symptoms of ADHD might be reduced, and indeed, this is exactly what the results of several trials would appear to indicate. EPA or Eicosapentaenoic acid is one of the Omega 3 fatty acids found in oily fish and fish oil supplements, and is rapidly gaining recognition as the most important fatty acid as far as brain function is concerned.
Dr Alex Richardson from Oxford University and a specialist on how fatty acids can help with learning disorders, reviewed the latest research into the effects of Omega 3 fatty acids on ADHD and other learning disorders, the results of which were published in the International Review of Psychiatry in 2006. The evidence suggests that supplementing with Omega 3 fatty acids might not only reduce the symptoms of ADHD, but could even improve academic performance. Richardson also assisted in the Durham Trials, which have had extensive press coverage in recent months due to the dramatic results they have achieved using fish oil with a high EPA content.
The Durham trials have consistently shown that fish oil high in EPA improves behaviour, concentration and learning. The results of their most recent study were announced in March 2006. The children involved in that study were all secondary school pupils with symptoms of ADHD. Of those that took part, 94% were rated has having moderate to severe inattention as well as other symptoms of ADHD, and 89% also showed severe impulsivity. After taking fish oil for just 3 months, the severity of ADHD symptoms, including impulsivity, had fallen to only 28% with inattention falling to just 17%.
Over in Australia, researcher Natalie Sinn conducted a double blind randomised trial comparing high EPA fish oil with a placebo, similar in design to a previous Durham trial. The children involved in that study were aged between 7 and 12, with 122 children completing the 30 weeks of the study. At the half way point of 15 weeks, significant improvements were seen in those taking fish oil compared to those who were not, particularly in the areas of attention, hyperactivity and impulsivity. All the children were then given fish oil for the remainder of the trial and similar improvements were seen in the placebo group who were now taking fish oil, whilst the group who had been on fish oil since the start continued to improve.
EPA is thought to help by increasing the blood flow through the to the brain enabling greater inter-neural connectivity and more efficient functioning of the brain on a day to day basis. It also has a positive effect on the immune system, helps to balance hormones and even improves mood. At the moment, fish oil is not officially recognised as a primary treatment for ADHD but research into the positive effect that EPA fish oil can have on ADHD and other learning disorders continues.
In the meantime, supplementing with fish oil high in EPA can offer significant health benefits whether you have ADHD or not.
Omega 3 fish oils Pure EPA is available exclusively from mind 1st.
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Mind1st Information Line: 01772 883950
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