Eicosapentaenoic and docosahexaenoic acids, cognition, and behavior in children with attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder: A randomized controlled trial
Article
Milte, Catherine M., Parletta, Natalie, Buckley, Jonathan D., Coates, Alison M., Young, Ross M. and Howe, Peter R. C.. 2012. "Eicosapentaenoic and docosahexaenoic acids, cognition, and behavior in children with attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder: A randomized controlled trial." Nutrition. 28 (6), pp. 670-677. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.nut.2011.12.009
| Article Title | Eicosapentaenoic and docosahexaenoic acids, cognition, and behavior in children with attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder: A randomized controlled trial |
|---|---|
| ERA Journal ID | 13728 |
| Article Category | Article |
| Authors | Milte, Catherine M. (Author), Parletta, Natalie (Author), Buckley, Jonathan D. (Author), Coates, Alison M. (Author), Young, Ross M. (Author) and Howe, Peter R. C. (Author) |
| Journal Title | Nutrition |
| Journal Citation | 28 (6), pp. 670-677 |
| Number of Pages | 8 |
| Year | 2012 |
| Place of Publication | United States |
| ISSN | 0899-9007 |
| 1873-1244 | |
| Digital Object Identifier (DOI) | https://doi.org/10.1016/j.nut.2011.12.009 |
| Web Address (URL) | http://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S0899900712000020 |
| Abstract | Objective: To determine the effects of an eicosapentaenoic acid (EPA)-rich oil and a docosahexaenoic acid (DHA)-rich oil versus an ω-6 polyunsaturated fatty acid-rich safflower oil (control) on literacy and behavior in children with attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) in a randomized controlled trial. Methods: Supplements rich in EPA, DHA, or safflower oil were randomly allocated for 4 mo to 90 Australian children 7 to 12 y old with ADHD symptoms higher than the 90th percentile on the Conners Rating Scales. The effect of supplementation on cognition, literacy, and parent-rated behavior was assessed by linear mixed modeling. Pearson correlations determined associations between the changes in outcome measurements and the erythrocyte fatty acid content (percentage of total) from baseline to 4 mo. Results: There were no significant differences between the supplement groups in the primary outcomes after 4 mo. However, the erythrocyte fatty acid profiles indicated that an increased proportion of DHA was associated with improved word reading (r = 0.394) and lower parent ratings of oppositional behavior (r = 0.392). These effects were more evident in a subgroup of 17 children with learning difficulties: an increased erythrocyte DHA was associated with improved word reading (r = 0.683), improved spelling (r = 0.556), an improved ability to divide attention (r = 0.676), and lower parent ratings of oppositional behavior (r = 0.777), hyperactivity (r = 0.702), restlessness (r = 0.705), and overall ADHD symptoms (r = 0.665). Conclusion: Increases in erythrocyte ω-3 polyunsaturated fatty acids, specifically DHA, may improve literacy and behavior in children with ADHD. The greatest benefit may be observed in children who have comorbid learning difficulties. |
| Keywords | Attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder; Children; Docosahexaenoic acid; Eicosapentaenoic acid; Learning difficulties; ω-3 Fatty acids |
| ANZSRC Field of Research 2020 | 321099. Nutrition and dietetics not elsewhere classified |
| Public Notes | Files associated with this item cannot be displayed due to copyright restrictions. |
| Byline Affiliations | University of South Australia |
| Queensland University of Technology | |
| Australian Technology Network Centre for Metabolic Fitness, Australia | |
| Institution of Origin | University of Southern Queensland |
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