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Omega 3s: The Ultimate (ADHD) Brain Food

Most people who have been diagnosed with ADHD have heard all about the benefits of omega-3 fatty acids for managing symptoms. But the book <em>Finally Focused</em> shows that omega-3s — like those found in fish oil — are even more brain-friendly than you thought.

3 Comments: Omega 3s: The Ultimate (ADHD) Brain Food

  1. I agree with the other comments, the benefits are much more nuanced. Also we can take algae oil in place of fish oil. BTW, high doses of fish oil have been associated with increased incidence of atrial fibrillation.

  2. This article greatly exaggerates the peer reviewed published evidence supporting the use of Omega-3s etc.

    This statement is the best take home ” “There is sufficient evidence to consider omega-3 fatty acids as a possible supplement to established [medication and behavioral] therapies” in ADHD, the researchers concluded in the journal Clinical Psychology Review.”

    Taking supplements may help you. This extensive review https://www.mdpi.com/1422-0067/18/12/2608/htm found that results were mixed between positive and negative and says that the studies with negative results tended to have smaller sample sizes so more well designed studies with sufficient sample sizes could find more support.

    However, at no point do these results find that these supplements are sufficient substitution for for stimulants. Stimulants were always better and sometimes supplements improved symptoms when both were used. Omegas are not a substitute for tried and true medications.

    One study found that omegas improved behavior symptoms in children who did not benefit from stimulants. To me, that suggests those children probably didn’t actually have the brain disorder ADHD as a positive response to stimulants is one of the diagnostic tests (according to my psychiatrist). ADHD brains respond to stimulants completely differently than non-ADHD brains.

    I’ve learned enough that I may add these supplements to my routine. There is evidence it can help so I will try it, but there is not evidence to choose this “natural” treatment over stimulants.

  3. But does it have to be fish oil? What about vegetarian options for Omega-3’s such as flax oil? THANK YOU!

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