Toshiko Matsudaira1, Rachel V Gow2, Joanna Kelly3, Caroline Murphy3, Laura Potts3, Alexander Sumich4, Kebreab Ghebremeskel5, Michael A Crawford6, Eric Taylor1. 1. 1 Department of Adolescent and Child Psychiatry, Institute of Psychiatry , Psychology and Neuroscience, London, United Kingdom . 2. 2 Section of Nutritional Neuroscience, National Institutes of Health , Bethesda, Maryland. 3. 3 King's Clinical Trials Unit, Department of Biostatistics, Institute of Psychiatry , London, United Kingdom . 4. 4 Division of Psychology, School of Social Sciences, Nottingham Trent University , Nottingham, United Kingdom . 5. 5 Lipidomics and Nutrition Research Centre, London Metropolitan University , London, United Kingdom . 6. 6 Reproductive Physiology, Faculty of Medicine, Imperial College London , London, United Kingdom .
Abstract
BACKGROUND: An abnormality in long chain-polyunsaturated fatty acid (LC-PUFA) levels has been implicated in attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD). Studies evaluating LC-PUFA supplementation for therapeutic efficacy in ADHD have shown mixed and, therefore, inconclusive results. METHODS:Seventy-six male adolescents (age 12-16 years, mean = 13.7) with ADHD were assessed for the effects of 12 weeks omega-3 and omega-6 supplements on biochemical and psychological outcomes in a randomized, placebo-controlled, clinical trial. The primary outcome measure was change in the Conners' Teacher Rating Scales (CTRS) following 12 weeks of supplementation of LC-PUFA or placebo. At baseline, the placebo and treatment groups had comparable levels of LC-PUFA as measured by red blood cell phosphatidylcholine. In the treatment group, supplementation enhanced eicosapentaenoic acid (EPA), docosahexaenoic acid (DHA), and total omega-3 fatty acid levels. RESULTS: No superiority of LC-PUFAs to placebo was observed on the primary outcome. Further, there were no reliable treatment effects on aggression, impulsivity, depression, and anxiety. CONCLUSIONS: Future studies should use larger sample sizes and longer supplementation period to detect small-modest effects for clinical recommendations in ADHD.
RCT Entities:
BACKGROUND: An abnormality in long chain-polyunsaturated fatty acid (LC-PUFA) levels has been implicated in attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD). Studies evaluating LC-PUFA supplementation for therapeutic efficacy in ADHD have shown mixed and, therefore, inconclusive results. METHODS: Seventy-six male adolescents (age 12-16 years, mean = 13.7) with ADHD were assessed for the effects of 12 weeks omega-3 and omega-6 supplements on biochemical and psychological outcomes in a randomized, placebo-controlled, clinical trial. The primary outcome measure was change in the Conners' Teacher Rating Scales (CTRS) following 12 weeks of supplementation of LC-PUFA or placebo. At baseline, the placebo and treatment groups had comparable levels of LC-PUFA as measured by red blood cell phosphatidylcholine. In the treatment group, supplementation enhanced eicosapentaenoic acid (EPA), docosahexaenoic acid (DHA), and total omega-3 fatty acid levels. RESULTS: No superiority of LC-PUFAs to placebo was observed on the primary outcome. Further, there were no reliable treatment effects on aggression, impulsivity, depression, and anxiety. CONCLUSIONS: Future studies should use larger sample sizes and longer supplementation period to detect small-modest effects for clinical recommendations in ADHD.
Authors: Carlo Agostoni; Maria Nobile; Valentina Ciappolino; Giuseppe Delvecchio; Alessandra Tesei; Stefano Turolo; Alessandro Crippa; Alessandra Mazzocchi; Carlo A Altamura; Paolo Brambilla Journal: Int J Mol Sci Date: 2017-12-04 Impact factor: 5.923