Omega-3 fatty acid supplementation for the treatment of children with attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder symptomatology: systematic review and meta-analysis.
Level 1 - systematic review of randomized trials
Systematic review and meta-analysis of randomized placebo-controlled trials
PubMed 21961774 · doi:10.1016/j.jaac.2011.06.008
What was done
Authors searched PubMed for randomized placebo-controlled trials evaluating omega-3 fatty acid supplementation in children with attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) symptomatology. The primary outcome was the standardized mean difference on ADHD severity rating scales. Secondary analyses assessed the relationship between specific omega-3 fatty acid dosages (notably eicosapentaenoic acid, EPA) and clinical efficacy.
What was found
Ten trials comprising 699 children met inclusion criteria. Omega-3 fatty acid supplementation produced a statistically significant, small improvement in ADHD symptoms. Higher doses of EPA within supplements were significantly correlated with greater symptom reduction. The abstract reported no evidence of trial heterogeneity or publication bias; specific numerical effect sizes and confidence intervals were not provided in the abstract.
Why it matters
While omega-3 fatty acid efficacy is modest compared to standard ADHD medications like psychostimulants or atomoxetine, its favorable side-effect profile makes it a viable candidate for augmenting traditional pharmacotherapy or as an option for families who decline psychiatric medications.
Limits
The total sample size across 10 trials is relatively modest (699 participants). The search was limited to PubMed. The abstract does not provide exact effect sizes, confidence intervals, or p-values, nor does it detail treatment durations, background medication status, or specific adverse event rates.
Cited by
- supports For psychiatric conditions like ADHD and depression, EPA is the beneficial omega-3 fatty acid, while DHA is ineffective.