What's the safest fish oil supplement dosage for ADHD children?
by Sandy Newmark, M.D.
Studies have yet to determine an optimum dosage of omega-3s, or fish oil, in children or adults with attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADD/ADHD). I would recommend children four to six years of age start with a daily supplement of 500 mg of omega-3s; children seven years and older, 1000 mg. In both cases, I recommend a supplement that has equal amounts of DHA (docosahexaenoic acid) and EPA (eicosapentaeic acid). Talk with your health care provider to discover the optimum dosage for your child.
Although one Japanese study gave children very high amounts of omega-3s that resulted in improved ADD/ADHD symptoms, the FDA recommends taking no more than 3000 mg a day. Even then, talk with your doctor before increasing omega-3 intake to that level.
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