Neptune Krill Oil and ADHD
Neptune Krill Oil (NKO), the leading krill oil brand, was shown to be a "safe and effective product for the treatment of ADHD," said Dr. Leslie Rouder of Florida’s Barry University after a Phase-1 clinical study in January 2007. The 6-month study was initiated by the International Organization of ADHD (attention deficit hyperactivity disorder), and the patients showed significant improvement in all of Barkley’s Executive Function scores. And so, from what we’ve seen about the study, we at AntarcticPureKrillOil.net believe the answer to the following question is "Yes."
Can Omega 3 Fatty Acids Help ADHD?
Omega-3 fatty acids are essential fatty acids. They are critical to brain development and function. Increasing evidence suggests that a relative lack of omega-3 may contribute to many psychiatric and neurodevelopmental disorders. Theory and experimental evidence support a role for omega-3 in ADHD, dyslexia, developmental coordination disorder (DCD) and autism. Lower levels of long-chain polyunsaturated fatty acids, particularly omega-3 fatty acids, in blood have repeatedly been associated with a variety of behavioral disorders including attention-deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD).
Omega 3 fatty acids are called essential fatty acids because they cannot be synthesized by the body. They have to be supplied in food and dietary supplements. They are essential for brain function as well as normal growth and development. There are three major types of omega three fatty acids:
- Alpha linolenic acid (ALA)
- Eicosapentaenoic acid (EPA)
- Docosahexaenoic acid (DHA)
Once consumed, the alpha linolenic acid is converted in to EPA and DHA by the body. Highly concentrated in the brain, they are essential for memory and other behavioral functions. They are also found to have anti-inflammatory effects and hence are useful in the treatment of chronic health conditions like arthritis, heart disease and cancer.
If the diet is deficient in omega 3 fatty acid, symptoms like tiredness, poor memory, dryness of skin, heart problems, depression and mood swings may develop. Dietary supplementation with marine oils appears to alleviate ADHD-related symptoms in children because they contain EPA and DHA. Some of the sources are:
- Fish - Mackerel, lake tout, herring, sardines, albacore tuna, salmon, halibut
- Algae and krill
- Plants like purslane
- Nut oil
Children with ADHD show low levels of essential fatty acids in their body. Studies have found that these children have lower proportions of arachidonic acid and docosahexaenoic acid. In a study conducted in Australia, it was found that supplementation of polyunsaturated fatty acids like omega 3 fatty acids in children with ADHD symptoms like inattention, hyperactivity and impulsivity, showed improvement of the symptoms.
Even adolescents who have ADHD have a low level of essential fatty acid in their body. In a research article published in the February 2008 issue of Nutrition Journal, it is mentioned that adolescents with ADHD have significantly lower docosahexaenoic acid and total omega 3 fatty acid in their body.
In a study conducted in Hallowell center, Sudbury, MA and published in the Nutrition Journal, it was found that supplementation of high dose of eicosapentaenoic and docosahexaenoic acids resulted in improvement in the behavior of children who showed symptoms like inattention, hyperactivity, oppositional/defiant behavior, and conduct disorder.
The various mechanisms by which the omega 3 fatty acids are known to influence the functioning of brain and reduce the symptoms of ADHD are:
- Eicosapentaenoic acid increases blood flow in the body. It affects the hormones and the immune system which have direct effect on brain functions
- Docosahexaenoic acid acts on the membrane of the cells in the brain which influence the transmission of signals through them
Author: Brad Chase
Visit our website to learn more about ADHD and Omega 3 Fatty Acids. Progressive Health Inc provides supplements that help replenish nutritional deficiencies caused by various health conditions such as ADHD.
Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Brad_Chase
Video: Does Your Child Have ADHD?
What Others Are Saying
Replace your children’s strong drugs A Florida study evaluated the effects of cold-processed Krill Oil on adult ADHD. It was a preliminary study of 25 otherwise healthy adults with confirmed diagnosis of ADHD. They took 500 mg daily dose of krill oil.
Health Benefits of Krill Oil There are various health benefits of krill oil because of the presence of omega-3 fatty acids (ALA, EPA and DHA) and astaxanthin (antioxidant). Some effective krill oil cures include arthritis, ADHD (attention deficit hyperactivity
Scare Tactics Against Krill Oil Proven Inaccurate How to Properly Increase Intake of Omega-3 with Krill Oil to Protect Against Disease, Krill Oil: The Proven Natural Treatment Option for ADHD.
ADHD Disease and Natural Remedies The diet should be rich in omega 3 fatty acids, available from a variety of food sources including flax seed (also known as linseed), walnuts, cold water oily fish such as sardines, mackerel, sardines, and krill oil supplements.
Statements on this website have not been evaluated by the Food and Drug Administration. This product is not intended to diagnose, treat, cure or prevent any disease. PRECAUTIONS: If you are pregnant, nursing, allergic to shellfish, have a blood coagulation condition, are taking anticoagulants such as warfarin, or are currently under a physician’s care for a health condition, please consult a healthcare professional prior to use.
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