Slayer's Den

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Omega-3s and Attention Deficit Disorder​

Maybe you have ADHD. Or maybe, in today's attention-stealing world, you occasionally have a few of its symptoms. This substance may help.​

I have mixed feelings about ADHD (attention deficit hyperactivity disorder). On one hand, it's a real condition and I've seen adults and kids improve their lives by taking drugs to treat it. On the other hand, ADHD is over-diagnosed due to the broad and subjective nature of modern diagnostic criteria. Also, Big Pharma actively influences the diagnostic process to sell more meds. No surprise there.

So, do you or your kiddo actually have ADHD? I have no idea. It seems like many symptoms of ADHD are also "symptoms" of just being a child. Google a checklist for ADHD symptoms and most adults will check off at least a few boxes. (Heck, I've been distracted six times while writing these first two paragraphs.)

But for those who do have the condition, or for those who'd just like to increase their ability to focus, concentrate, organize, and follow through on tasks, there may be an alternative (or at least an adjunct treatment) to prescription drugs: high-dose fish oil).

What Causes ADHD?​

Scientists don't fully know what causes this neurodevelopmental disorder:

• It might be genetic. ADHD runs in families and several genes involved in dopamine regulation are associated with it. Toss in the right environmental factors and ADHD is more likely to "turn on."
• It might be neurological. People with ADHD have different brains according to neuroimaging studies: reduced volume in certain brain regions, abnormalities in the functioning of neurotransmitter systems, and imbalances in dopamine and norepinephrine.
• It might be environmental. Everything from your mom's diet and lifestyle while pregnant to your current eating habits may trigger ADHD. Trauma and your upbringing seem to play a role too.

So How Can Fish Oil Help?​

Fish oil is packed with eicosapentaenoic acid (EPA) and docosahexaenoic acid (DHA). Your brain basically runs on these omega-3 fatty acids and deficiencies cause all sorts of problems, including ADHD-like symptoms.

In a nutshell, EPA and DHA regulate and balance neurotransmitters (like dopamine and serotonin), increase cell membrane fluidity, and control or decrease brain inflammation.

What Does the Research Say?​

If we did a meta-study (compiling data from several studies) on treating ADHD with fish oil, we'd see mixed results. Many show modest but significant improvements, particularly with inattention, hyperactivity, impulsiveness, overall behavior (in kids), and cognitive function.

A few studies show small or no improvements, but that may be due to the severity of symptoms and the amount of fish oil used. Fish oil works best for those with mild to moderate symptoms.

Researchers are hopeful because fish oil is safe and healthy compared to common drug treatments and their side effects. Most progressive doctors advise not to drop the drugs, but to add fish oil to the treatment.

How Much Fish Oil Do I Need?​

Most studies were conducted using anywhere from 500 to 2000 mg per day. As expected, the bigger doses lead to better results. It's a common theme: fish oil works if you use enough of it. Popping a capsule or two of store-brand fish oil probably won't cut it.

What I haven't come across is a study using over 4000 mg. That's a high dose, but almost every cognitive benefit of fish oil supplementation (as seen with depression and anxiety, for example) manifests with doses at or above 2000 mg.


Around 9 million American adults are diagnosed with ADHD. Some need a prescription drug, but I bet many would find relief with a nutritional solution, like using fish oil consistently. And everyone would benefit from boosting their ability to focus and concentrate.

Well, okay, maybe not you. After all, you finished this article.