Supplementation with flax oil and vitamin C improves the outcome of Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD)

Key Findings

Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD) is the most common behavioral disorder in children affecting about 3–5% school-going children. ALA-rich flax oil and antioxidant supplementation was effective in significantly improving symptoms of ADHD such as impulsivity, restlessness, inattention and self-control. Pre- and post-supplementation hyperactivity scores showed statistically significant improvement. The study showed significantly higher levels of EPA as well as DHA in RBC membranes in post-supplementation group supporting use of ALA for effectively improving membrane EPA and DHA status. Symptoms of impulsivity, restlessness, inattention, self-control, psychosomatic problems and learning problems showed highly significant improvement.

ABSTRACT:

Considerable clinical and experimental evidence now supports the idea that deficiencies or imbalances in certain highly unsaturated fatty acids may contribute to a range of common developmental disorders including Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD). Few intervention studies with LCPUFA supplementation have reported inconsistent and marginal results. This pilot study evaluates the effect of alpha linolenic acid (ALA)-rich nutritional supplementation in the form of flax oil and antioxidant emulsion on blood fatty acids composition and behavior in children with ADHD. Post-supplementation levels of RBC membrane fatty acids were significantly higher than pretreatment levels as well as the levels in control. There was significant improvement in the symptoms of ADHD reflected by reduction in total hyperactivity scores of ADHD children derived from ADHD rating scale.