Document Detail


The impact of polyunsaturated fatty acids in reducing child attention deficit and hyperactivity disorders.
MedLine Citation:
PMID:  20424008     Owner:  NLM     Status:  In-Process    
Abstract/OtherAbstract:
OBJECTIVES: To review the impact of polyunsaturated fatty acids (PUFA) in reducing ADHD symptoms in children.
METHODS: Peer-reviewed experimental literature published from 1980 to Mai 2009 is consulted (Psychinfo, Medline, and resulting reference lists).
RESULTS: Placebo-controlled studies with ADHD or hyperactive children show no effects on behaviors or cognition when only n-6 (omega-6) PUFA, only docosahexaenoic acid (DHA), or n-6 and n-3 (omega-3) short-chain PUFA are supplemented. Yet three out of four studies suggest that a combination of long-chain n-3 and n-6 fatty acids (DHA, eicosapentaenoic acid [EPA], and gamma-linolenic acid [GLA]) supplemented daily for 3 to 4 months could lead to a reduction in ADHD symptomatology. Results on cognitive outcomes are inconsistent.
CONCLUSIONS: Evidence is too limited to reach definitive conclusions but suggests that research on the impact of long-chain PUFA (n-3 and n-6) should continue with special focus on individual differences (genetic and fatty acid markers), mechanisms (brain imaging), and new enhanced methods of systematic observations of behaviors.
Authors:
Catherine Transler; Ans Eilander; Siobhan Mitchell; Nelly van de Meer
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Publication Detail:
Type:  Journal Article; Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't     Date:  2010-04-27
Journal Detail:
Title:  Journal of attention disorders     Volume:  14     ISSN:  1557-1246     ISO Abbreviation:  J Atten Disord     Publication Date:  2010 Nov 
Date Detail:
Created Date:  2010-10-27     Completed Date:  -     Revised Date:  -    
Medline Journal Info:
Nlm Unique ID:  9615686     Medline TA:  J Atten Disord     Country:  United States    
Other Details:
Languages:  eng     Pagination:  232-46     Citation Subset:  IM    
Affiliation:
Unilever Food and Health Research Institute, the Netherlands. catherine.transler@unilever.com
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