Pulse Brain · Growing Health Evidence Index
Tier 4 — Narrative / commentaryPeer-reviewed

Omega-3 Polyunsaturated Fatty Acid Supplementation in Children With Attention-Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD)

Moein Hassanzadeh Mobini; Andrew J Boileau

Cureus · 2025

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Summary

This Cureus article reviews the evidence for omega-3 polyunsaturated fatty acid (EPA and DHA) supplementation as an adjunct or alternative intervention for children with attention-deficit hyperactivity disorder. The authors appear to summarise trial findings on symptom reduction, dosing considerations and biological plausibility, likely concluding that omega-3 supplementation confers modest benefits that may complement, rather than replace, standard pharmacological treatment.

UK applicability

Findings are broadly transferable to UK paediatric practice, where dietary intakes of long-chain omega-3s are typically below recommended levels and NICE guidance already acknowledges dietary factors in ADHD management. The review may inform UK clinicians and parents considering nutritional adjuncts, though it does not replace UK-specific clinical guidelines.

Key measures

ADHD symptom rating scales (e.g. Conners, ADHD-RS); EPA/DHA dosage (mg/day); blood/plasma fatty acid concentrations; behavioural and cognitive outcomes

Outcomes reported

The paper examines the effects of omega-3 PUFA (EPA/DHA) supplementation on attention, hyperactivity and behavioural symptoms in children diagnosed with ADHD. It likely synthesises evidence on symptom improvement, blood fatty acid status and tolerability.

Theme
Nutrition & health
Subject
Child nutrition & mental health
Study type
Narrative Review
Study design
Narrative review
Source type
Peer-reviewed study
Status
Published
Geography
International
System type
Human clinical
DOI
10.7759/cureus.93175
Catalogue ID
NRmo3g3nr3-000

Topic tags

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