Counselor Notes 16 January 30, 2014 Omega 3 Fatty Acids & Attention Issues An earlier edition of Counselor Notes mentioned six vitamins/minerals that The ADHD Nutritional Supplement Handbook though had the most impact with the least side effects. The last two notes addressed magnesium & zinc, and vitamin D. Continuing on with those six, this issue focuses on omega 3 fatty acids. (For information on what omega 3’s are and what are good sources of them, check out: http://www.webmd.com/healthy-aging/omega-3-fatty-acids-fact-sheet) In a previous school year, I wrote of omega 3’s. This issue here has some overlap, but is mostly new information. Here are the notes I have on them: From The ADHD and Autism Nutritional Supplement Handbook by Dana Godbout Laake R.H.D. and Pamela Compart M.D.: · “Essential fatty acids are not manufactured in the body and must be consumed. Omega-3 and omega-6 are the two types of essential fatty acids….” · “Omega-3 fatty acids help keep cell walls flexible rather than rigid, which in turn helps cells function optimally…. Approximately 60% of the dry weight of the brain is composed of fat, including cholesterol and fatty acids. Omega-3 DHA is a critical structural component of the human brain, retina, and nerves affecting cognition, vision, mood, and behavior. In the brain, omega-3 fatty acid deficiency can result in less than optimal transmission of messages.” P. 24 From Healing ADHD by Dr. Daniel Amen (ISBN# 0-425-18327-0):
From Delivered From Distraction by Edward Hallowell, M.D. & John Ratey, M.D.: · “Current estimates are that the average American eats 125 milligrams of omega-3 fatty acids per day, only about 5 percent of what the average American ate a century ago.” (p. 215) · “Low levels of omega-3 fatty acids leads to chronic inflammation throughout the body….” (p. 215) · “… omega-3 fatty acids increase the levels of dopamine in the brain. Dopamine is the neurotransmitter that the medications we use to tread ADD also act to increase.” (p. 215) · “The early data shows that people with ADD are especially low in omega-3’s.” (p. 216) From: The A.D.D. Nutrition Solution by Marcia Zimmerman ISBN# 0-8050-6128-2 · “Several studies have compared fatty acid levels in AD/HD children with those of normal children. Researchers have confirmed that lower levels of the critical fatty acids exist in the red blood cells and serum of AD/HD individuals. Supplementing the AF/HD sufferers’ diet with the correct fatty acids has reversed their hyperactivity, aggression and impulsivity.” (p. 138) · “High carbohydrate diets and carbohydrate-related disorders interfere with the body’s ability to manufacture LCP’s.” (p. 139) (Note: LCPs are long-chain polyunsaturated fatty acids: omega-6 (from canola, olive, safflower, and corn oils) and omega-3 (from flaxseed oil and fish oil)) · “Allergies frequently disrupt fatty acid metabolism….” (p. 140) · Side Note: fertility problems and post-partum depression may also be linked to problems with LCPs. (p. 141) The University of Maryland Medical Center http://umm.edu/health/medical/altmed/supplement/omega3-fatty-acids#ixzz2riUpk27c notes:
Purdue University also found a link between ADHD and omega 3 fatty acid deficiency: http://www.neuroimmunedr.com/Articles/ADHD___ADD/Purdue_Study/purdue_study.html Psychology Today notes that ADHD may be associated with inflammation: http://www.psychologytoday.com/blog/in-the-zone/201107/adhd-inflammatory-condition (Omega 3 fatty acids may help with that, thus helping ADHD symptoms) “Omega-3s are thought to play an important role in reducing inflammation throughout the body.” http://www.webmd.com/healthy-aging/omega-3-fatty-acids-fact-sheet (retrieved 1-28-14)
Omega 3 fatty acids reduce ADHD symptoms in rats: http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2013/08/130823094331.htm And last but not least, one online blog gives this summary of ADHD and omega 3 fatty acids and if you read just one link I have posted here in this letter, I would recommend it be this one: http://adhd-treatment-options.blogspot.com/search/label/omega%203%27s%20and%20ADHD Do see your pediatrician should you think omega 3’s might be a part of the solution to a child’s attention problems. (Or work with a professional nutritionist.) If you choose to supplement your child’s diet with omega 3 fatty acids, do be sure to remain within recommended doses and use fresh pills as omega 3’s can go rancid after a period of time. Doug
Muha Ed.S. School CounselorWaverly Elementary School |