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Studies of omega-3 polyunsaturated fatty acids for attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) have yielded equivocal results. These researchers conducted a meta-analysis of published, peer-reviewed, randomized, controlled trials or case-control studies (for comparisons of blood levels) involving children aged 4 to 17 years.
Based on seven studies (N=534) using parental ratings of ADHD symptoms, the analysis found a medium effect size for improved behavior with daily docosahexaenoic acid (DHA; dose range, 2.7–640.0 mg) or eicosapentaenoic acid (EPA; range, 80–650 mg). ADHD behaviors improved only with EPA doses of at least 500 mg. In three studies with teachers' ratings (N=334), omega-3s did not alter behavior. In three studies (N=214), …