Effect of supplementation with long-chain ω-3 polyunsaturated fatty acids on behavior and cognition in children with attention deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD): a randomized placebo-controlled intervention trial

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Effect of supplementation with long-chain ω-3 polyunsaturated fatty acids on behavior and cognition in children with attention deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD): a randomized placebo-controlled intervention trial

Widenhorn-Müller et al., 2014 | Prostaglandins Leukot Essent Fatty Acids | Rct

Citation

Widenhorn-Müller Katharina, Schwanda Simone, ... Bode Harald. Effect of supplementation with long-chain ω-3 polyunsaturated fatty acids on behavior and cognition in children with attention deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD): a randomized placebo-controlled intervention trial. Prostaglandins Leukot Essent Fatty Acids. 2014;91(1-2):49-60. doi:10.1016/j.plefa.2014.04.004

Abstract

OBJECTIVE: To determine whether supplementation with the long-chain omega-3 polyunsaturated fatty acids eicosapentaenoic (EPA) and docosahexaenoic acid (DHA) affects behavioral symptoms and cognitive impairments in children 6-12 years of age diagnosed with attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD). STUDY DESIGN: The randomized, double-blind placebo-controlled 16 weeks trial was conducted with 95 children diagnosed with ADHD according to DSM-IV criteria. Behavior was assessed by parents, teachers and investigators using standardized rating scales and questionnaires. Further outcome variables were working memory, speed of information processing and various measures of attention. For a subgroup of 81 participants, erythrocyte membrane fatty acid composition was analyzed before and after the intervention. RESULTS: Supplementation with the omega-3 fatty acid mix increased EPA and DHA concentrations in erythrocyte membranes and improved working memory function, but had no effect on other cognitive measures and parent- and teacher-rated behavior in the study population. Improved working memory correlated significantly with increased EPA, DHA and decreased AA (arachidonic acid).

Key Findings

Supplementation with the omega-3 fatty acid mix increased EPA and DHA concentrations in erythrocyte membranes and improved working memory function, but had no effect on other cognitive measures and parent- and teacher-rated behavior in the study population. Improved working memory correlated significantly with increased EPA, DHA and decreased AA (arachidonic acid).

Outcomes Measured

  • Requires manual extraction

Population

Field Value
Population See abstract
Sample Size 81
Age Range 6-12 years
Condition cognitive

MeSH Terms

  • Animals
  • Arachidonic Acid
  • Attention
  • Attention Deficit Disorder with Hyperactivity
  • Child
  • Child Behavior
  • Cognition
  • Dietary Supplements
  • Docosahexaenoic Acids
  • Double-Blind Method
  • Eicosapentaenoic Acid
  • Erythrocyte Membrane
  • Female
  • Humans
  • Male
  • Memory, Short-Term
  • Surveys and Questionnaires

Evidence Classification

  • Level: Rct
  • Publication Types: Journal Article, Randomized Controlled Trial, Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't
  • Vertical: omega-3-adhd

Provenance

Source extracted via PubMed E-utilities API on 2026-04-09