Link: http://www.naturalnews.com/047672_omega-3s_attention_deficit_cognitive_function.html
Title: Healthy levels of omega-3 fatty acids improve children's attentiveness, cognitive function
Author: L.J. Devon
Summary: This article argues that diets lacking in omega fatty acids can exacerbate ADHD in children. The Sahlgresnka Academy in Sweden performed a study that showed two approaches that were effective for improving the symptoms of ADHD in children. Seventy five children were separated in two groups. Both groups received collaborative problem solving training, but one group received fatty acid supplements (omega-3 and omega-3) while the other took placebo pills for three months. After six months, over a third of the kids who took omega fatty acids had clinically improved behavior and attention. This could be a potential natural alternative to taking prescription drugs.
Summary: This article argues that diets lacking in omega fatty acids can exacerbate ADHD in children. The Sahlgresnka Academy in Sweden performed a study that showed two approaches that were effective for improving the symptoms of ADHD in children. Seventy five children were separated in two groups. Both groups received collaborative problem solving training, but one group received fatty acid supplements (omega-3 and omega-3) while the other took placebo pills for three months. After six months, over a third of the kids who took omega fatty acids had clinically improved behavior and attention. This could be a potential natural alternative to taking prescription drugs.
This is very interesting that ADHD kids has a lower level of Omega-3 fatty acid in their blood stream. The research's development and design seem to avoid the bias issue. On the other hand, I found a article that address the some issue but also points out some weakness in the study. The link is: http://www.livescience.com/50188-omega-3-fatty-acids-adhd.html
ReplyDeleteCharlie, I will check out your article as well. Often, you'll be able to find opposing views backed by data. It forces you to be aware of the study parameters and to understand what makes a study a "good" one.
DeleteThis article is interesting because it proposes a alternative treatment for kids who have ADHD. Typically patients with ADHD receive prescription drugs, which do treat the symptoms of ADHD but have harsh side effects that come with them. Replacing a prescription drug with a supplement would be beneficial because it could treat the ADHD without having harsh side effects that prescription drugs contain.
ReplyDeleteIt is interesting that ADHD could be helped in a far more natural way than with prescription drugs. As the article mentions the hyperactivity could just be linked to the brain trying to alert the body something is missing, rather than being genetically wired to not be able to sit still. If the findings are true, then large amounts of Omega-3 fatty acids given to children maybe could help them with their ADHD as adults.
ReplyDeleteAs I am reading the summaries of articles, I continue to be amazed at the far reaching scope of effects that omega-3s (or the lack of!) have on how our bodies function and heal. It would be interesting to see if any other studies have been done in other countries to support the findings here.
ReplyDelete