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Fish oil supplements - is there evidence that they improve concentration and behaviour in children?

Publisher: North West Medicines Information Centre

Keywords:

Child; Fish Oils; Hyperkinetic Syndrome; Omega-3 Marine Triglycerides;

Date published: 16/01/2009 14:09

Expires on: 30/01/2011 00:00

Summary
by: Lindsay Banks
  • A deficiency in essential omega-3 and omega-6 polyunsaturated fatty acids (PUFAs) may affect children’s behaviour and concentration but more robust data are necessary to confirm this.

 

  • There is limited evidence that supplementation with omega-3 and omega-6 PUFAs may improve behaviour and concentration in children with behavioural and/or learning problems. The evidence is insufficient to support the routine use of these supplements in the management of children with attention-deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD).

 

  • There is no credible evidence that PUFA supplementation improves concentration and academic performance in children without behavioural problems. Studies claiming to investigate such outcomes are of poor design, have no control group, and add little more than anecdote to the evidence base.

 

  • There are no published dose-finding studies or head-to-head comparisons of different PUFA supplements. Consequently the ideal dose for supplementation is unknown, as is whether there are any meaningful differences between the available preparations.

 

  • Fatty acid supplements are not NHS blacklisted at present but, as they are classed as food supplements rather than licensed medicinal products, prescribing may be open to challenge.
About this library entry
Category: 4: Central nervous system | Complementary Medicine
NeLM area:  Evidence > Medicines Q & A
QA146_2_Fish_oils_behaviour_concentration.doc
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