Eicosapentaenoic and docosahexaenoic acids, cognition, and behavior in children with attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder: A randomized controlled trial
Article
Article Title | Eicosapentaenoic and docosahexaenoic acids, cognition, and behavior in children with attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder: A randomized controlled trial |
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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 |
https://research.usq.edu.au/item/q4110/eicosapentaenoic-and-docosahexaenoic-acids-cognition-and-behavior-in-children-with-attention-deficit-hyperactivity-disorder-a-randomized-controlled-trial
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