Omega 3 supplements - will they help my attention deficient 10 year old son?

Question

Personal experiences please.

Answer 1

Yes yes yes! I do believe "fish oil tablets" are the newest breakthrough in this area.

Our eight year old son on them daily and he was diagnosed with ADHD but we did not want to put him on the medication. We found fish oil tablets along with vitamin tablet daily really helped. We dont even call him ADHD. If we told someone he had it now they would not believe us.

The fish oil tablet we use also has evening primrose oil in it. On the bottle it says it is good for brain function.

In Australia there have been studies done on this with successful results. It was in our major newspaper and media/current affairs programs.

Also we have a really healthy diet - but it is difficult to get your children to eat enough fish!

Best of luck - I really reccomend it!

Answer 2

There are several good answers already to your question but I thought I'd add one for you..... :)

Unfortunately, the more you research this question the more you may become confused because everyone has their own opinions and some of the scientific research is inconclusive.

Omega 3 fatty acids are polyunsaturated fatty acids that must be obtained through our diets and is required by our brains to function optimally. I won't go into all of the scientific research and some of the conclusions (and lack thereof) but suffice it to say that adding the appropriate amount of Omega 3 can help both you AND your child in many ways.

Can Omega 3 help with ADD? Perhaps. Sorry that there isn't a more definitive answer but....:)

It's a good thought to ensure that your child has a reasonable amount of Omega 3 but sooooo often kids get misdiagnosed as ADD. There is a wonderful web site (actually there are Many!!) called: http://addadhdadvances.com

All the very best and good luck!!! :)

Answer 3

I am a herbalist (self trained and a healer)
May I suggest some essential oils?
Rose Otto...this raises dopamine levels in the brain, use as a massage oil in the morning, or put a small drop on the wrist.
Camomile oil or lavendar oil which lowers levels and brings restful sleep...use on the feet at night...add a drop to the pillow.
For the massage oil: PLEASE remember to add the essential oil to a base oil first (1 small drop to a teaspoon of olive oil or even sunflower oil).
For the wrists...just put 1 small dad on...no more.
There is also a plant named KavaKava, the UK have banned it's use now, but to be honest there was very little reason for doing so.
I think that because they never knew how it worked they decided to down it. The plant balances out the concentration and moods...in many countries they use it with none or very little side effects. (Far less worse than giving children A grade drugs).
You can still buy it at shops and on the internet, look round for a childs dose
I prescribed 250mg per day for 3 months and if need be...raise it gradually to 500mg for another 3 months. If you see no change...cease using it.
I would then look at using something stronger such as St Johns Wort...again the UK down it but it is used in Germany and all over the world.
The UK dislike promoting herbal meds because more money is to be made in selling man made meds. They fear that we might start growing our own remedies again like in the old days I think.

Anyway...it's a thought, I know it helps.

Please email me if you want any other info.

Answer 4

The latest studies suggest that it may well help him. They helped my son with his concentration. I used the Omega 3, 6, and 9 combination supplement for him.

Answer 5

Omega 3 definitely helps mood. Ginkgo biloba definitely helps memory and concentration. Whether either will help ADD or ADHD is up for debate. Best thing to do is ensure that your son gets a healthy diet and exercises regularly. Here is a site that might help with some healthy suggestions: http://www.drmcdougall.com

Answer 6

Clinical tests have shown this to be effective.Also scientists did a study on shocking(not with electriciy) subjects with a cold shower right before they studied or tried to learn a musical piece.40% of the subjects showed a 60% increase in their ability to retain information and concentrate harder.I saw this in two documentaries so I'm afraid I cannot provide you with links.
Some experts agree that the herb Ginko Biloba also improves memory and concentration.

Answer 7

I gave my son Omega 3 and he went from a pleasant, cheerful and carefree child into a demon overnight. Stopped giving them to him and he went back to normal within a few days. Not everything suits everyone. Be careful!

Answer 8

They'll help his concentration to some extent as fish oils are very good for kids if taken with breakfast in the morning.
Otherwise, I don't think this ADHD is a real illness, I just think it's what people say their kids have got when they're a foul mannered, badly behaved little turd, just to make them feel better about it.

Answer 9

Anythings worth a shot!
They are supposed to increase brain and concentration power!
Although eating correctly is a Good way to Help Any Child concentrate and Enjoy Life!!

Answer 10

Attention Deficit Disorder, (ADD) is being linked to theso called "deadly oils"
hydrogenated oils (deadly oils)
Study after study indicates that A.D.D. and A.D.H.D. individuals are lacking in key nutrients, and when they are not present in the body or in our diet, certain behaviors result and cognitive function is affected. Aggression, anger, depression, mood swings, poor focus, seizures, irritability, and hyperactivity may be affected by the food we eat or what we don’t eat.

For instance, scientists at Purdue University found that individuals with symptoms of A.D.D./A.D.H.D. have lower blood levels of omega-3 fatty acids. It’s possible that behavior and school performance, as well as violence and aggression may also have similar links to dietary fatty acids.

According to Dr. Michael Schmidt, Ph.D., “some doctors have reported cases in which learning difficulties, memory problems, mood disorders, behavior problems, seizures, stroke, autism, and other brain-related disorder have been corrected or improved by a diet with the right concentrations of brain-boosting fats.”

So, increasing your omega-3’s are vital, and can be found in salmon (I recommend wild only), walnuts, soy, flax seed, hemp seed, and wheat germ. For more info on the healing benefits of flax and other omega- 3 oils, please visit www.1olaloa.com

Read labels, and here are some foods and substances to avoid:
All foods, beverages and vitamins with food colorings (F, D & C); chemical additives; MSG (check out the chips and instant ramen noodle soup labels); artificial sweeteners such as aspartame or NutraSweet (in most diet sodas and foods); too much sugar or high fructose corn syrup; partially-hydrogenated oils and transfats.

NO FOODS CONTAINING HYDROGENATED OILS or MONODIGLYCERIDES

NO FOODS CONTAINING MSG - ( MONOSODIUM GLUTAMATE )

NO FOODS CONTAINING ASPARTAME

Parents and health care professionals can take a more preventative and holistic approach, rather than a reactive approach by overmedicating a possibly malnourished brain and body, we will see some positive healing benefits. You may want to find a licensed nutritionist or holistic practitioner for additional information.
Change the diet by incorporating more fresh fruits and vegetables, fresh ground organic flax, and eliminating lots of artificial colors and flavors. What a difference real whole food makes in healing the body.
Good Luck!!!!


http://www.1olaloa.com/malnutrition.html

Answer 11

You should be looking for clinical studies, not personal experiences. Anecdotal evidence is of no value in medicine. I haven't looked for this particular topic, but I do know that lately studies have shown that the value of supplements, and antioxidants in particular, is greatly exaggerated. My guess is that any effect Omega 3 supplements might have on your son would be placebo only.