Omega-3 Polyunsaturated Fatty Acids in Youths with Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder: a Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis of Clinical Trials and Biological Studies.
Level 1 - systematic review of randomized trials
Systematic review and meta-analysis of randomized controlled trials
PubMed 28741625 · doi:10.1038/npp.2017.160
What was done
A systematic review and meta-analysis evaluated two questions: (1) the effects of omega-3 polyunsaturated fatty acid (n-3 PUFA) supplementation on clinical symptoms and cognition in children and adolescents with ADHD across randomized controlled trials (RCTs); and (2) the levels of n-3 PUFAs in blood and buccal tissues of youth with ADHD versus controls across case-control studies.
What was found
- ADHD clinical symptoms: n-3 PUFA supplementation improved clinical symptom scores across 7 RCTs (n=534, g=0.38, p<0.0001). - Cognition: n-3 PUFA supplementation improved cognitive measures associated with attention across 3 RCTs (n=214, g=1.09, p=0.001). - Tissue levels: Children and adolescents with ADHD had significantly lower levels of DHA (7 studies, n=412, g=-0.76, p=0.0002), EPA (7 studies, n=468, g=-0.38, p=0.0008), and total n-3 PUFAs (6 studies, n=396, g=-0.58, p=0.0001).
Why it matters
This review links a measurable biological deficit of omega-3 fatty acids in youth with ADHD to therapeutic benefit, showing that supplementation improves both core symptoms and attention-related cognitive performance.
Limits
The total evidence base for intervention is small, consisting of only 7 RCTs for clinical symptoms (n=534) and 3 RCTs for cognition (n=214). The abstract does not report specific PUFA formulations, optimal dosages, treatment durations, or long-term safety.
Cited by
- partial Studies show that 1 gram per day of omega-3 is safe in children, lowers ADHD symptoms, and improves cognition.