Kids with behavioral disorders or emotional issues can be so challenging—disruptive, defiant, argumentative, impulsive, inattentive, nervous, negative. Parents know it can be exhausting, frustrating, and stressful. Many parents assume that prescription medication is the only way to improve symptoms that are associated with conditions, such as ADD/ADHD, oppositional defiant disorder, anxiety, depression, or autism. But a growing body of scientific evidence shows that supplementation with omega-3 fatty acids improves the quality of life and mental health status in children with emotional and behavioral issues.
Aa growing body of scientific evidence shows that supplementation with omega-3 fatty acids improves quality of life and mental health status in children with emotional and behavioral issues. Click To TweetHere’s what the current research reveals about children, mental and behavioral health, and omega-3 fatty acids. First, let’s take a quick look at the basics of omega-3s.
WHAT ARE OMEGA-3s?
Omega-3s are essential fatty acids that children (and adults) need for optimal physical, mental, and cognitive health. There are 2 active compounds in omega-3s: EPA (eicosapentaenoic acid) and DHA (docosahexaenoic acid). Children (and adults) need both. Omega-3s are considered essential fatty acids because the human body doesn’t produce them naturally. They can only be derived from food or dietary supplements, such as fish oil.
WHAT THE RESEARCH SAYS ABOUT OMEGA-3s AND BEHAVIORAL DISORDERS
A 2020 study in the Journal of Dietary Supplements involved 942 children ages 6-12 with behavioral disorders, including conduct problems, inattention, nervousness, hyperactivity, trouble concentrating, and learning issues and poor school performance. For the 3-month study, the youngsters were split into 2 groups—one group received supplementation with omega-3 fatty acids while the other group did not. By the end of the study period, children who had been taking omega-3 dietary supplements health status, quality of life, and scores on Strengths and Difficulties Questionnaires improved significantly. The researchers concluded, “Omega-3 fatty acid supplementation alone or in combination with other nonpharmacological treatments is effective in improving children’s mental health.”
WHAT THE RESEARCH SAYS ABOUT OMEGA-3s AND ADD/ADHD
In an analysis of 10 studies in the Journal of the American Academy of Child and Adolescent Psychiatry, researchers summarized 10 trials involving 699 children. Omega-3 fatty acid supplementation demonstrated a small but significant effect in improving ADD/ADHD symptoms. EPA dose within supplements was significantly correlated with supplement efficacy. They concluded that omega-3 fatty acid supplementation, particularly with higher doses of EPA, was modestly effective in the treatment of ADD/ADHD.
A 2017 review of 16 studies found that omega-3 fatty acids improved impulsivity, hyperactivity, attention, visual learning, and working/short-term memory. These are all symptoms often associated with ADD/ADHD.
WHAT THE RESEARCH SAYS ABOUT OMEGA-3s AND MOODS
Although there is an abundance of research on omega-3 fatty acids and depression in adults, the research on children remains sparse but encouraging. In a study in the American Journal of Psychiatry involving 20 depressed children ages 6-12, dietary supplementation with omega-3 fatty acids showed highly significant improvements in depressive symptoms. Omega-3 supplementation produced a large advantage compared with the placebo. In addition, a 2017 study in Child and Adolescent Psychiatry and Mental Health on 38 children ages 11-17 found significant reductions in depressive symptoms in the participants taking omega-3 fatty acids.
WHAT THE RESEARCH SAYS ABOUT OMEGA-3s AND AUTISM
A deficiency of omega-3 fatty acids may be linked to autism spectrum disorder (ASD) in children, according to a meta-analysis of 6 trials in Neuropsychiatric Disease and Treatment. These studies showed that supplementation with omega-3 fatty acids may improve hyperactivity, lethargy, and stereotypy (movements such as body rocking), which are common in children with autism.
THE HEAVY TOLL OF LOW LEVELS OF OMEGA-3s
Having low levels of EPA and DHA have been linked to mood disorders, such as depression and bipolar disorder, as well as suicidal behavior, ADD/ADHD, cognitive decline, and other behavioral and emotional issues. Unfortunately, most Americans have low levels of EPA and DHA.
In 2016, Amen Clinics tested the omega-3 fatty acids levels of 50 consecutive patients who were not taking fish oil (the most commonly used source of EPA+DHA) and found that 49 had suboptimal levels. In another study in the Journal of Alzheimer’s Disease, the Amen Clinics research team correlated the brain SPECT scans of 130 patients with their EPA and DHA levels and found those with the lowest levels had lower blood flow (the #1 predictor of future brain problems) in the right hippocampus and posterior cingulate (one of the first areas to die in Alzheimer’s disease), among other areas. On cognitive testing at Amen Clinics, low omega-3s correlated with decreased scores in mood.
To find out if your child has low levels of omega-3 fatty acids, there is a simple test called the Omega-3 Index. It measures the total amount of omega-3 fatty acids EPA and DHA in red blood cells and directly reflects their levels in the brain. The test is a clinically validated biomarker of the health of the brain. Aim for a level above 8%.
BOOSTING OMEGA-3 LEVELS IN CHILDREN
Getting adequate amounts of omega-3 fatty acids is critical for children. If your child has low levels of omega-3s or simply has behavioral or emotional symptoms, it’s a good idea to increase the intake of this important nutrient.
Increase healthy fats. To raise omega-3 levels in children, be sure to include foods in their diet that contain omega-3 fatty acids, such as:
- Salmon
- Sardines
- Avocados
- Walnuts
- Flaxseed
- Chia seeds
- Dark green leafy vegetables
Try high-quality omega-3 supplements, such as fish oil. At Amen Clinics, the recommended dosage for children is about 800 mg of combined EPA and DHA daily for every 40 pounds of body weight. Look for a ratio of approximately 60/40 EPA to DHA.
Your child’s mental, emotional, and behavioral health lays the foundation for their overall well-being and happiness in life. ADD/ADHD, depression, and other emotional and behavioral problems can’t wait.
At Amen Clinics, believe in using the least toxic, most effective treatments, including natural solutions.. We offer in-clinic brain scanning and appointments, as well as mental telehealth, remote clinical evaluations, and video therapy for children as well as their parents. Find out more by speaking to a specialist today at 888-288-9834. If all our specialists are busy helping others, you can also schedule a time to talk.
Thank you this is very helpful.
Comment by Yvonne Marie forster — October 16, 2020 @ 3:45 AM
What’s a good omega 3 product for a adult
& a 20yo & a 10 yo
Comment by Suzi — October 16, 2020 @ 5:31 AM
16Oct2020. On Th, 15Oct2020 I began to incorporate Qnty1 750mg Salmon oil into my daily diet. Accordingly, as understood from digesting these golden nuggets of information as relayed above, I hope to find similar quality results. Time will tell. Am on the plan. Ain’t no skipping any steps. For some set of reasons, I trust you, implicitly, Doc. Your reputation precedes you. Again, Thank you. Alabama.Brian
Comment by Alabama.Brian — October 16, 2020 @ 7:39 AM
Do you recommend a specific brand of Omega 3’s?
Comment by Kimberly Daniel — October 16, 2020 @ 8:12 AM
I have a Grandson who has emotional problems. He always has to be in control. He picks on his little brother. He belittled him and makes him cry.
Comment by Rebecca — October 16, 2020 @ 10:53 AM
I have aN 8 yr grandson who is argumentive, poor school performance, does not eat vegetables or take pills. I will put liquid fish oil Ian his food. What liquid supplement that he can’t detect would work for him.e
Comment by Andrea — October 17, 2020 @ 4:52 AM
What do you do if your 19 yr old autistic child will not swallow the capsules or the gelcaps that all supplements seem to be packaged in? She swallows pills just fine but has a huge problem with capsules of any type. She doesn’t eat any soft mushy foods (texture thing- from applesauce to mashed potatoes to ice cream-nothing) that the capsule’s contents could be emptied and mixed in to eat. She also does not do “chewables” or “gummies” or “fast melts” of any sort. She only drinks water and maybe a few sips of root beer so we cannot add them to drinks either. We have tried every trick and tip found/known/suggested over the past 19 years to “hide” meds in food or drink items. She has even gotten suspicious at times so if there is ANY reason she may think a med or vitamin is “hidden” in something, she will not consume it. Given her very picky, limited diet I know she has got to be deficient on so many vitamins and nutrients that must contribute to her severe autism diagnosis (at age 3) as well as her unmanageable hyperactivity and over 600 passive behaviors counted most DAYs at school. We have tried ADD/ADHD meds and the entire gambit of SSRI/SNRI/ antipsychotics/mood stabilizers Each med causing an increase in aggression, crying, or extreme stimming behaviors that occur more often than not, leading to discontinuation of the medication. We feel supplements are needed but we feel hopeless in getting her to take them!!!
Is there anyone that can “press” powder from capsules into small tablets? The other problem is she will only take meds once or twice a day. Currently she takes a sleep med and a birth control pill to suppress her period, at night time. So I may have one afternoon dosing time available. Mornings before school are a no-go.
Any advice would be accepted. Thank you!!
Comment by T.M. — October 18, 2020 @ 7:45 AM