Omega-3 fatty acid supplementation for the treatment of children with attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder symptomatology: systematic review and meta-analysis.

Study answer

What this study found

Omega-3 fatty acid supplementation produced a small but statistically significant improvement in ADHD symptoms, but the effect was modest. The primary pooled improvement in ADHD severity was SMD 0.31 (95% CI 0.16 to 0.47, z = 4.04, p < .0001); parent ratings also improved (SMD 0.29, 95% CI 0.14 to 0.44, p = .0002), as did inattention (SMD 0.29, 95% CI 0.07 to 0.50, p = .009) and hyperactivity (SMD 0.23, 95% CI 0.07 to 0.40, p = .005). Higher EPA dose was associated with greater efficacy, whereas DHA and ALA were not significantly associated with benefit; there was no meaningful heterogeneity…

Study & population

Systematic review and meta-analysis of 10 randomized trials in children with ADHD symptomatology, including diagnosed ADHD and children with ADHD symptoms in other psychiatric or undiagnosed populations.

Intervention

Omega-3 fatty acid supplementation was tested in 10 pediatric trials, with formulations varying by EPA content and, in some studies, DHA and/or ALA content.

Key limitation

The overall effect was small and likely clinically modest compared with established ADHD pharmacotherapies.

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Original abstract