Equazen Pro, a new Omega-3 supplement, manages omega-3 fatty acid deficiency to nutritionally support focus and attention in children with ADHD or ADHD-type symptoms. It was formulated to address a LC-PUFA deficiency caused by genetic abnormalities that is linked to ADD-type symptoms.
Some studies suggest that omega-3 supplements can improve inattention and other symptoms in kids with ADHD. For example, one study found that 3 months of omega-3 supplementation improved symptoms in a quarter of kids and teens with ADHD; by 6 months, half the kids had shown improvements.
According to the same meta-analysis cited above, the beneficial effects of Omega-3 on ADHD symptoms are evident when using doses equal to or greater than 500 mg/day. In practice, some providers recommend using 500 mg/day in children under the age of 12 and 1000 mg/day in those over 12 years.
Interestingly, most of the n-3 PUFAs studies in ADHD used either a high-dose DHA12, or a relative low-doses of DHA and EPA combination treatment13, despite the evidence that EPA is the more effective therapeutic component, at least in depression14,15,16.
Although children with ADHD may be more likely to have lower levels of vitamin D, zinc, magnesium, and iron, it cannot be stated that these lower levels caused ADHD. However, supplementing areas of deficiency may be a safe and justified intervention.
Finally, supplementing vitamins B and C can also help alleviate ADD and ADHD symptoms. Vitamin C, like zinc, iron, and magnesium, is used to produce neurotransmitters like dopamine. Additionally, vitamin B deficiency is linked to irritability and fatigue in children.
People with ADHD have higher chances of being nutrient deficient than the average person. People with ADHD are twice as likely to suffer iron-deficiency anemia compared to members of the general population. 78.4% of children with ADHD are deficient in vitamin D compared to 48% of children without ADHD.
In particular, docosahexaenoic acid (DHA), a long-chain omega-3 fatty acid, is important for brain and eye development. Additionally, DHA plays a significant role in mental health throughout early childhood and even into adulthood.
Healthy levels of magnesium in the blood can help relax individuals with ADHD. Some small studies8 have shown that adding magnesium supplements decreases some symptoms of ADHD.
Among other things, omega-3s boost the body's synthesis of dopamine, the neurotransmitter that ADHD medications act to increase. So, could a daily fish oil capsule help curb the symptoms of ADHD? Quite possibly, suggest several research studies on fish oil for ADHD — including a study published in Pediatrics.
Some of the common foods that can cause ADHD reactions include milk, chocolate, soy, wheat, eggs, beans, corn, tomatoes, grapes, and oranges. If you suspect a food sensitivity may be contributing to your child's ADHD symptoms, talk to your ADHD dietitian or doctor about trying an elimination diet.
Magnesium L Threonate (or magnesium citrate in those who can only take gummies) are the preparations that has been most studied and show the highest benefit for ADHD, cognition, mood, and anxiety.
Stimulants — which increase dopamine levels — are often prescribed for ADHD because they help increase focus. Some common stimulants include: amphetamines, such as Adderall. methylphenidate, like Concerta and Ritalin.
How Quickly Will I See Benefits After Taking Fish Oil or Omega-3 Supplements for ADHD? If you up your omega-3 intake (either via supplement or diet), don't expect to see an improvement in symptoms overnight, Arnold says. Give it up to about three months, he says.
Foods high in zinc include oysters and other seafood, red meat, poultry, dairy products, beans, nuts, whole grains, and fortified cereals. There is some evidence that fish oil can help improve ADHD symptoms. It contains omega-3 fatty acids.
Omega-3s support brain cell health, facilitate communication within your brain, boost blood flow, and support cognition. Without enough omega-3s, your brain can't function at its best. Common signs of omega-3 deficiency include brain fog, poor memory, and difficulty concentrating.
DHA is the one that partakes in several critical functions in the brain. Impairment in these processes can lead to deterioration in brain processes. Thus, you don't just want omega-3 fatty acids but DHA to help improve brain fog. Similarly, omega-3 fatty acids also lower inflammation in the brain.
The cause(s) and risk factors for ADHD are unknown, but current research shows that genetics plays an important role. Recent studies link genetic factors with ADHD. In addition to genetics, scientists are studying other possible causes and risk factors including: Brain injury.
ADHD is associated with abnormally low levels of the neurotransmitters transmitting between the prefrontal cortical area and the basal ganglia i.e., dopamine and noradrenaline. Dopamine is closely associated with reward centers in the brain, and also interacts with other potent neurotransmitters to regulate mood.
The condition is usually diagnosed in childhood, when difficulties arise during play and school, and it is marked by lack of concentration, short attention span, and physical restlessness (APA 1994; APA 2000). ADHD often is blamed on bad parenting, or a “bad” attitude.
Add a Daily Dose of Nuts and Chocolate. Nuts and seeds are good sources of the antioxidant vitamin E, which has been linked in some studies to less cognitive decline as you age. Dark chocolate also has other powerful antioxidant properties, and it contains natural stimulants like caffeine, which can enhance focus.
Stimulants are the best-known and most widely used ADHD medications. Between 70-80% of children with ADHD have fewer ADHD symptoms when taking these fast-acting medications.
As you know, one trademark of ADHD is low levels of the neurotransmitter dopamine — a chemical released by nerve cells into the brain. Due to this lack of dopamine, people with ADHD are "chemically wired" to seek more, says John Ratey, M.D., professor of psychiatry at Harvard Medical School in Boston.