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Journal of Pediatric Neurology 2020; 18(01): 001-006
DOI: 10.1055/s-0039-1677726
Review Article
Georg Thieme Verlag KG Stuttgart · New York

Omega-3 Supplementation for Children with Learning Difficulties and Attention Deficit Disorder: Is it Beneficial?

Natan Gadoth
1   Department of Neurology, Mayanei Hayeshua Medical Center, Bnie Barak, Israel
2   Sackler Faculty of Medicine, Tel-Aviv University, Tel-Aviv, Israel
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Publication History

13 September 2018

18 December 2018

Publication Date:
21 January 2019 (online)

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Abstract

The use of “natural medicines,” food supplements, and in particular long-chain polyunsaturated fatty acids (omega-3/6) for a large variety of ailments including attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) and other developmental behavioral disorders has dramatically increased in the past few years. In recent publications, doubts have been raised in regard to the benefits and risks of this form of treatment for ADHD. In this article, a short history of the way this treatment has evolved, its theoretical basis, and evidence-based data on the value of this popular supplementation will be reviewed.

Keywords

attention deficit hyperactivity disorder - omega-3 - omega-6 - long-chain polyunsaturated fatty acids - dietary supplements
 

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