Katharina Widenhorn-Müller1, Simone Schwanda2, Elke Scholz3, Manfred Spitzer4, Harald Bode2. 1. Transfer Center for Neuroscience and Learning, University Hospital, Ulm, Germany; Department of Psychiatry, University Hospital, Ulm, Germany. Electronic address: katharina.widenhorn-mueller@uni-ulm.de. 2. SPZ, University Children׳s Hospital, Division of Social Pediatrics and Child Neurology, Ulm, Germany. 3. Transfer Center for Neuroscience and Learning, University Hospital, Ulm, Germany. 4. Transfer Center for Neuroscience and Learning, University Hospital, Ulm, Germany; Department of Psychiatry, University Hospital, Ulm, Germany.
Abstract
OBJECTIVE: To determine whether supplementation with the long-chain omega-3 polyunsaturated fatty acids eicosapentaenoic (EPA) and docosahexaenoic acid (DHA) affects behavioral symptoms and cognitive impairments in children 6-12 years of age diagnosed with attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD). STUDY DESIGN: The randomized, double-blind placebo-controlled 16 weeks trial was conducted with 95 children diagnosed with ADHD according to DSM-IV criteria. Behavior was assessed by parents, teachers and investigators using standardized rating scales and questionnaires. Further outcome variables were working memory, speed of information processing and various measures of attention. For a subgroup of 81 participants, erythrocyte membrane fatty acid composition was analyzed before and after the intervention. RESULTS: Supplementation with the omega-3 fatty acid mix increased EPA and DHA concentrations in erythrocyte membranes and improved working memory function, but had no effect on other cognitive measures and parent- and teacher-rated behavior in the study population. Improved working memory correlated significantly with increased EPA, DHA and decreased AA (arachidonic acid).
RCT Entities:
OBJECTIVE: To determine whether supplementation with the long-chain omega-3 polyunsaturated fatty acidseicosapentaenoic (EPA) and docosahexaenoic acid (DHA) affects behavioral symptoms and cognitive impairments in children 6-12 years of age diagnosed with attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD). STUDY DESIGN: The randomized, double-blind placebo-controlled 16 weeks trial was conducted with 95 children diagnosed with ADHD according to DSM-IV criteria. Behavior was assessed by parents, teachers and investigators using standardized rating scales and questionnaires. Further outcome variables were working memory, speed of information processing and various measures of attention. For a subgroup of 81 participants, erythrocyte membrane fatty acid composition was analyzed before and after the intervention. RESULTS: Supplementation with the omega-3 fatty acid mix increased EPA and DHA concentrations in erythrocyte membranes and improved working memory function, but had no effect on other cognitive measures and parent- and teacher-rated behavior in the study population. Improved working memory correlated significantly with increased EPA, DHA and decreased AA (arachidonic acid).
Authors: Usha Ramakrishnan; Ines Gonzalez-Casanova; Lourdes Schnaas; Ann DiGirolamo; Amado D Quezada; Beth C Pallo; Wei Hao; Lynnette M Neufeld; Juan A Rivera; Aryeh D Stein; Reynaldo Martorell Journal: Am J Clin Nutr Date: 2016-09-07 Impact factor: 7.045
Authors: Beth Wilmot; Rebecca Fry; Lisa Smeester; Erica D Musser; Jonathan Mill; Joel T Nigg Journal: J Child Psychol Psychiatry Date: 2015-08-25 Impact factor: 8.982