Can Fish Oil Help With ADHD Symptoms?

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) defines Attention-Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD) as a highly-prevalent childhood condition that affects the neurological development of the brain during the early years. This disorder causes focus issues in the child, leading to erratic and impulsive actions accompanied by hyperactivity. These problems often last until adulthood and may interfere with the day-to-day routine.

ADHD is a common mental health disorder. According to Healthline, it's not only a children's disorder but affects about 4% of US adults. Similarly, survey reports by the CDC show that by 2016, over 600,000 children, particularly males between the ages of 2 to 17 years, had been diagnosed with ADHD. They have also discovered that most children diagnosed with ADHD usually have another underlying mental health condition such as Tourette's, depression, or autism.

MayoClinic reports that numerous signs of ADHD may appear as you continue to grow. In children and adults, the most common tell-tale symptoms of ADHD are inattentiveness and restlessness, but diagnosis and on-time treatment at a later age can be somewhat tricky. While Western medicines are crucial, you may also want to try a few popular home remedies to ease ADHD symptoms.

Various vitamins and supplements play an integral part in relieving the symptoms of ADHD, per WebMD. Fish oil is one of the most popular supplements usually recommended to ADHD patients for dealing with difficult symptoms. Fish oil capsules are packed with omega-3 fatty acids which, according to experiences from parents, have proven effective against hyperactivity in children (via ADDitude). Although there's limited research available, there have been a few pieces of evidence where taking fish supplements has offered a therapeutic impact on both adults and children.

For instance, a 2017 study published in Dietary Lipids in Health and Disease focused on the benefits of using omega-3 supplementation. They analyzed over 16 different studies where 1100+ children were either given an omega-3 capsule or a placebo pill. The results were quite impressive, showing remarkable improvement in memory retention, attention, overactivity, focus, and learning or reading abilities. As a result, the researchers are convinced that fish oil supplementation rich in omega-3 fatty acids can prove useful against debilitating ADHD symptoms alongside the modern medication.