Has the doctor told you that your child has ADHD (Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder) ? When that happens, as a mother or father, you are looking for everything you can do for your child. In the meantime, you may have heard that giving fish oil is good for ADHD. Many people talk about this. But what is the truth in this story? As a doctor, I will tell you clearly about it today.
Does Fish Oil Really Help ADHD?
Simply put, what's important here is not the fish oil itself, but something inside that oil. That is the fatty acids called Omega-3 . Our bodies cannot make these on their own. Therefore, we need to get them from food or supplements.
Two types of Omega-3 are very important for our brain. They are EPA (eicosapentaenoic acid) and DHA (docosahexaenoic acid) . These are found in abundance in fish, seafood, and some types of algae. They are essential for maintaining a healthy brain, heart, and immune system. Like oil for a car, Omega-3 is an essential fuel for our brain to function.
What happens inside the brain?
Think of the cells in our brain as talking to each other. They use special chemical messengers to do this. We call them neurotransmitters . Children with ADHD sometimes have problems sending and receiving these messages. Omega-3s can help these neurotransmitters do their job properly. They also help reduce unnecessary inflammation in the brain.
Some research has found that children and young adults with ADHD have lower levels of omega-3s than adults. Therefore, some studies have shown that some children's attention span and other symptoms improve somewhat when given omega-3 supplements.
But the important thing here is that these results are not the same for every child. Some studies have shown no improvement.
One reason may be that these supplements are most beneficial for children who already have low levels of omega-3 in their bodies. Giving this to a child with normal levels may not make much of a difference. Also, it takes about 3 months to see any improvement.
So remember, fish oil is not a substitute for doctor-prescribed ADHD medication or behavioral therapy. However, with your doctor's approval, it can be given in addition to that treatment.
Is Fish Oil safe to give to children? What are the possible side effects?
You might think, "This is natural, so there's no problem." But even Fish Oil isn't right for everyone. It can also have side effects.
| Common side effects of fish oil | |
|---|---|
| A fishy or unpleasant taste in the mouth | Bad breath |
| Heartburn | Nausea |
| Stomach pain | Diarrhea |
| Headache | Sweating |
Because of these things, it's important to talk to your pediatrician before giving your child any supplements. The doctor will then determine the appropriate dosage and type for your child.
Before a supplement, should we start with food?
Before resorting to a supplement, the best thing to do is to try to give your child foods rich in Omega-3. It's true that many children don't like to eat fish. But if you make small changes and prepare it the way they like, they can eat it.
But there is another important thing here. That is the heavy metal mercury . Some large fish can accumulate more mercury in their bodies. It is not good for children. Therefore, you should choose fish that are low in mercury.
| Types of fish that are low in mercury and suitable for children |
|---|
| - Salmon |
| - Sardines |
| - Canned light tuna |
| - Herring |
| - Shrimp |
It would be great if we could give our child a fish meal like this about twice a week. But if the child doesn't eat fish at all, that's when we should think about a supplement.
How to choose a supplement?
If you've talked to your doctor and decided to take a supplement, be careful about these things when you buy one from the pharmacy.
| Things to be aware of | Why is that? |
|---|---|
| Check the label to see if it says "Mercury-free" . | A guarantee that it is free from the poison mercury. |
| Choose fish body oil . | Fish liver oil is low in Omega-3. Cod liver oil can have unnecessarily high levels of vitamins A and D. |
| Avoid flaxseed oil . | It contains another type of Omega-3 (ALA). It is not as effective for the brain as EPA/DHA, which is recommended for ADHD. |
| Consider enteric-coated capsules or a liquid form. | The specially coated capsules reduce the fishy smell. The liquids are easy for children to swallow. |
Unfortunately, many supplements available in pharmacies are not properly regulated. This means we can't be 100% sure that the amount on the label is actually in the bottle. So, if your doctor can give you a prescription supplement , that is, the kind that a doctor writes on a pill bottle, that is more reliable.
Finally, remember that a child's overall diet is very important. Some studies have shown a link between a high sugar, salt, and processed food (Western diet) and ADHD. Therefore, fish oil is only one part of a balanced, healthy diet.
Take-Home Message
- Omega-3, found in fish oil, may help some children with ADHD, especially if their Omega-3 levels are low. But it's not a miracle cure.
- This is in no way a substitute for ADHD medication or treatment prescribed by a doctor.
- Before starting any supplement for your child, be sure to talk to your pediatrician.
- First, try adding low-mercury fish to your diet to provide Omega-3.
- When choosing a supplement, be careful about its quality and type. Follow your doctor's instructions.
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