Document Detail


Omega-3 fatty acid supplementation for the treatment of children with attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder symptomatology: systematic review and meta-analysis.
MedLine Citation:
PMID:  21961774     Owner:  NLM     Status:  MEDLINE    
Abstract/OtherAbstract:
OBJECTIVE: Several studies have demonstrated differences in omega-3 fatty acid composition in plasma and in erythrocyte membranes in patients with attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) compared with unaffected controls. Omega-3 fatty acids have anti-inflammatory properties and can alter central nervous system cell membrane fluidity and phospholipid composition. Cell membrane fluidity can alter serotonin and dopamine neurotransmission. The goal of this meta-analysis was to examine the efficacy of omega-3 fatty acid supplementation in children with ADHD.
METHOD: PubMed was searched for randomized placebo-controlled trials examining omega-3 fatty acid supplementation in children with ADHD symptomatology. The primary outcome measurement was standardized mean difference in rating scales of ADHD severity. Secondary analyses were conducted to determine the effects of dosing of different omega-3 fatty acids in supplements.
RESULTS: Ten trials involving 699 children were included in this meta-analysis. Omega-3 fatty acid supplementation demonstrated a small but significant effect in improving ADHD symptoms. Eicosapentaenoic acid dose within supplements was significantly correlated with supplement efficacy. No evidence of publication bias or heterogeneity between trials was found.
CONCLUSION: Omega-3 fatty acid supplementation, particularly with higher doses of eicosapentaenoic acid, was modestly effective in the treatment of ADHD. The relative efficacy of omega-3 fatty acid supplementation was modest compared with currently available pharmacotherapies for ADHD such as psychostimulants, atomoxetine, or α(2) agonists. However, given its relatively benign side-effect profile and evidence of modest efficacy, it may be reasonable to use omega-3 fatty supplementation to augment traditional pharmacologic interventions or for families who decline other psychopharmacologic options.
Authors:
Michael H Bloch; Ahmad Qawasmi
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Publication Detail:
Type:  Journal Article; Meta-Analysis; Research Support, N.I.H., Extramural; Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't; Review     Date:  2011-08-12
Journal Detail:
Title:  Journal of the American Academy of Child and Adolescent Psychiatry     Volume:  50     ISSN:  1527-5418     ISO Abbreviation:  J Am Acad Child Adolesc Psychiatry     Publication Date:  2011 Oct 
Date Detail:
Created Date:  2011-10-03     Completed Date:  2012-02-08     Revised Date:  2012-05-23    
Medline Journal Info:
Nlm Unique ID:  8704565     Medline TA:  J Am Acad Child Adolesc Psychiatry     Country:  United States    
Other Details:
Languages:  eng     Pagination:  991-1000     Citation Subset:  IM    
Copyright Information:
Copyright © 2011 American Academy of Child and Adolescent Psychiatry. Published by Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.
Affiliation:
Yale Child Study Center, Yale University School of Medicine, New Haven, CT 06520, USA. michael.bloch@yale.edu
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MeSH Terms
Descriptor/Qualifier:
Attention Deficit Disorder with Hyperactivity / blood,  drug therapy*
Child
Eicosapentaenoic Acid / blood,  therapeutic use*
Fatty Acids, Omega-3 / blood,  therapeutic use*
Humans
Grant Support
ID/Acronym/Agency:
1K23MH091240-01/MH/NIMH NIH HHS; UL1 RR024139/RR/NCRR NIH HHS
Chemical
Reg. No./Substance:
0/Fatty Acids, Omega-3; 1553-41-9/Eicosapentaenoic Acid
Comments/Corrections
Comment In:
Evid Based Ment Health. 2012 May;15(2):46   [PMID:  22345102 ]
J Am Acad Child Adolesc Psychiatry. 2011 Oct;50(10):969-71   [PMID:  21961770 ]

From MEDLINE®/PubMed®, a database of the U.S. National Library of Medicine


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