Key findings
Attention-deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) is the most common neuro-behavioural disorder of childhood. Supplementation with fish oil or long-chain omega-3 fatty acids to children with ADHD have been conducted, and yielded mixed results. The aim of the current study was to examine if supplementation with an ALA-rich sage oil can improve symptoms in children and adolescents diagnosed with ADHD. In this study, supplementation of 1 g/day of ALA using an ALA-rich oil to children and adolescents with ADHD did not improve any behavioural measure, as tested by several validated questionnaires and a computerized CPT. However a major limitation to the trial was the relatively small sample size, attributed to a relatively high dropout rate.
ABSTRACT
Background: Attention deficit – hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) is the most common neuro-developmental disorder in childhood. Its pharmacologic treatment mostly includes methylphenidate, yet many parents seek alternative, “natural”, therapeutic options, commonly omga-3 fatty acids. Previous studies of supplementation with fish oil or long-chain omega-3 fatty acids to children with ADHD yielded mixed results. The use of alpha-linolenic acid (ALA), a medium-chained, plant-based omega-3 fatty acid has not been sufficiently examined in this population. Methods: Forty untreated children with ADHD, aged 6 – 16 years, were randomized to receive either 2 g/day of oil containing 1g of ALA or placebo, for 8 weeks. Before and after supplementation, the children underwent a physician assessment of ADHD symptoms and a computerized continuous performance functions test. The children’s parents and teachers filled out Conners’ and DSM questionnaires. Results: Seventeen (42.5%) children completed the study, eight in the supplementation group, nine in the placebo group. Main drop-out reasons were capsule size, poor compliance, and a sense of lack of effect. No significant difference was found in any of the measured variables tested before and after supplementation, in both study groups. No between-group difference was found in the changes of the various measures of ADHD symptoms throughout the study period. Conclusion: Supplementation of 2 g/day of oil containing 1 g of ALA did not significantly reduce symptoms in children with ADHD. Future studies in this field should consider an alternative method to deliver the oil, a higher dose, and a larger sample size.