Supplementation with fatty acids doesn’t improve symptoms
Because polyunsaturated fatty acids (PUFAs) are essential for brain development and function, a deficiency theoretically may contribute to a range of developmental disorders, including ADHD. An RCT of 63 children 6 to 12 years of age with ADHD randomly assigned the children to supplementation with the most abundant PUFA, docosahexanoic (DHA), or placebo for 4 months. Measured outcomes included objective attention evaluation by computer and written tests and standardized objective measures such as the Conners Rating Scales.4 The study found no significant improvement in any ADHD symptom.4
The findings of this trial were confirmed by another double-blinded RCT of 40 children with ADHD who were randomized to DHA or placebo. The second trial found no significant differences in ADHD symptoms after 2 months.5
Recommendations
The American Academy of Pediatrics states that there is a need for well-designed, rigorous studies of currently promoted but less well-established therapies for ADHD, such as occupational therapy, biofeedback, herbs, vitamins, and food supplements. These interventions aren’t supported by evidence-based studies at present.6
The American Academy of Child and Adolescent Psychiatry’s guidelines on managing ADHD don’t mention dietary interventions.7
Investigators from the Cincinnati Children’s Hospital report that elimination diets and food supplements have little or no quality evidence to support their effectiveness.8