OMEGA-3 FATTY ACID SUPPLEMENTATION FOR ATTENTION DEFICIT HYPERACTIVITY DISORDER IN CHILDREN AND ADOLESCENT: LITERATURE REVIEW

Agnieszka Raczyńska; Justyna Popczyńska; Natalia Pacocha; Oliwia Krzemień; Kinga Kosiec; Jakub Jędrychowski; Natalia Karpowicz; Julia Kaszucka; Małgorzata Krzyżanowska; Marta Zgierska

doi:10.31435/rsglobal_ijitss/30062024/8153

Agnieszka Raczyńska Medical University of Warsaw, Faculty of Medicine, Żwirki i Wigury 61, 02-091 Warszawa, Poland https://orcid.org/0000-0002-0423-3325
Justyna Popczyńska Medical University of Warsaw, Faculty of Medicine, Żwirki i Wigury 61, 02-091 Warszawa, Poland https://orcid.org/0009-0008-7654-932X
Natalia Pacocha Medical University of Warsaw, Faculty of Medicine, Żwirki i Wigury 61, 02-091 Warszawa, Poland https://orcid.org/0009-0001-3370-9521
Oliwia Krzemień Gdański Medical University, Faculty of Medicine, ul. Marii Skłodowskiej-Curie 3a, 80-210 Gdańsk https://orcid.org/0009-0003-1863-3025
Kinga Kosiec Gdański Medical University, Faculty of Medicine, ul. Marii Skłodowskiej-Curie 3a, 80-210 Gdańsk https://orcid.org/0009-0008-8756-3012
Jakub Jędrychowski Medical University of Warsaw, Faculty of Medicine, Żwirki i Wigury 61, 02-091 Warszawa, Poland https://orcid.org/0009-0002-8496-292X
Natalia Karpowicz Medical University of Warsaw, Faculty of Medicine, Żwirki i Wigury 61, 02-091 Warszawa, Poland https://orcid.org/0009-0000-6636-9546
Julia Kaszucka Medical University of Warsaw, Faculty of Medicine, Żwirki i Wigury 61, 02-091 Warszawa, Poland https://orcid.org/0000-0002-9017-3604
Małgorzata Krzyżanowska Medical University of Warsaw, Faculty of Medicine, Żwirki i Wigury 61, 02-091 Warszawa, Poland https://orcid.org/0009-0003-6287-5777
Marta Zgierska Medical University of Warsaw, Faculty of Medicine, Żwirki i Wigury 61, 02-091 Warszawa, Poland https://orcid.org/0009-0007-4472-0631

DOI: https://doi.org/10.31435/rsglobal_ijitss/30062024/8153

Keywords: ADHD, Supplementation, Treatment, Polyunsaturated Fatty Acids, Literature Review, Omega-3

Abstract

Introduction and objective:

Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder affects 5.29% globally, with rising incidence, particularly in boys. The eleventh revision of the International Classification of Diseases defines ADHD by persistent patterns of inattention and/or hyperactivity-impulsivity. Stimulants (such as methylphenidate) and atomoxetine are effective but carry side effects. Omega-3 fatty acids show promise in influencing synaptic membrane structure and neurotransmitter activity. Studies suggest benefits for ADHD symptoms, making Omega-3 supplementation a potential adjunctive treatment.

Review methods:

PubMed database was used for the review. An electronic search was performed within publication years (2005–2024) using English search phrases such as "ADHD," "ADHD treatment," "Omega-3 supplementation," and "polyunsaturated fatty acids in ADHD." All retrieved articles, including original and randomized controlled studies, were analyzed.

Results:

The average Omega-3 intake in the U.S. falls below recommended levels. Western diets' Omega-6 dominance may exacerbate inflammation, while Omega-3 deficiencies could impact ADHD symptoms. Studies suggest Omega-3 supplementation may reduce impulsivity and improve attention. A Mexican trial found comparable efficacy between Omega-3/6 and methylphenidate (MPH). However, a French trial favored a placebo. Recent Italian research found limited benefits in mild ADHD cases.

Conclusions:

As ADHD rates rise, more research is needed to manage the disorder. Omega-3 supplementation shows mixed results in improving symptoms, highlighting the need for further investigation. For a final determination of this impact, it seems necessary to conduct studies with a long observation period, in which various doses and combinations of Omega-3 acids will be considered, as well as retrospective studies.

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