Fish Oil “Helps Calm ADHD Children”
A new study out of Australia finds that children with ADHD given daily fish oil supplements had significant improvements:
“They were able to concentrate better, they were calmer, less impulsive, that sort of thing,” Ms Sinn said. “The same improvements were not reported from children who took the placebo.”
Not bad. How much was given?
Children recruited into the study were not taking medication for their ADHD.
They were given just under a gram of fish oil a day in the trial.
Under a gram?! Thats way too little. They would have seen FAR greater benefits from giving these children far greater benefit. In fact, there was a recent study at Harvard testing 10+ grams of fish oil on children with ADHD, which hasn’t been published yet and I can’t wait to see the results. I wonder why they chose to administer only 1 gram a day? Maybe it’s because they weren’t using ultra-refined fish oil and were worried about subjecting the children to large amounts of toxins — and they should be worried!
How about side effects?
Ms Sinn said no adverse effects had been reported to date.
By comparison, Ritalin, a drug commonly used to treat ADHD, has been linked to suicidal thoughts, hallucinations, aggressive and violent behaviour and heart problems.
Hmmm, lets see. No adverse effects with fish oil supplements vs. suicidal thoughts, hallucinations, aggressive and violent behavior and heart problems with Ritalin… Which one would you pick for your children?
My son is 14yrs. old what dosage is recommended for him for the omegas ??
I am a 4th year pharmacy student and the older brother of an ADHD child. I know everyone is excited and research looks promising, but can anyone relay the mechanism of action behind the fish oil treating ADHD.
Ritalin (methylphenidate) is a stimulant medication that blocks the reuptake of dopamine in synapses – the theory is that the increased dopamine stimulates the cerebral cortex and, in turn, the executive function in the prefrontal cortex allowing more self-control over thought and behavior.
Growing up, it was easy to tell which days my brother took his pill and the days he did not. Fish oil decreases both very low density lipoproteins (VLDLs) and triglycerides due to inhibition of hepatic triglyceride synthesis. Because VLDL is a precursor to LDL, a reduction in LDL cholesterol is seen in some patients with hypertriglyceridemia.
Until someone can give me a cogent explanation as to the mechanism of action, I don’t think I can give my patients false hope, especially since brain chemistry doesn’t seem to be affected at all by fish oil.
Thank you for the opportunity to voice my opinion and questions.
I have a 7 year old son diagonosed with ADHD inattentive. I am not happy about putting him on drugs. I would like to try a natural method. What is a safe amount of Omega 3 fish oil to give to him?
My 12 year old daughter and I (40) are both ADHD. I take 300 mg of welbutrin and she takes 72 mg of concerta per day. what is the recomended mg’s for the both of us to be taking per day of fish oil with Omega-3
have a 7 year old grandson would like to start him on fish oil but don’t know how much to give him. and we thank he could have ADHD. thanks for your help
i have a 7 year old daughter who i believe has adhd im too scared to put her on any medication for it i would like to try fish oil could you please let me know how much she would need to take
The most promising study was done at an Australian university – you can find the study using search engines on the internet. There were two other studies as well – none of the studies used very much fish oil (1 gram per day in the Australian study); two showed promising results and the other showed no effect. Why wouldn’t a 4th year pharmacy student do their own research?
My son is 9 years old with ADHD . I would like to know the recommended dosage for fish oil. We have tried so many prescribed medications.
i was wonder how much fish oil should i give my son who is 7 years old and my daughter whom is 4
my 5 yr old has been diagnosed with adhd i have been doing chriroparactics and have seen some improvments but how much fish oil could he take
My daughter has had social and other problems associated with ADHD from the time that she was 2 weeks old, I noticed that her crying and dissapoited stance on life was excessive. I did not know what to do, this is most frusterating. How can you make your child feel OK in their skin and be nice to others etc.
I had me a crying fit one night about “WHAT DO I DO GOD?” The next day I was in such bad shape, my eyes were the size of baseballs. And by some miracle from God, when I got home that morning after asking the principal if his Psychyatrist wife could help any further (he said no) and going to the booked child psych that was booked for the next 3 months. I pulled into my driveway and an angel was sitting there with my answer to how to HELP my beloved child.
In my hazy depths of sadness for my child I heard this lady say fish oil, magnesium and calcium. I give her the magnesium and calcium in the morning and at night and 1000 mg of fish oil 3 times a day AFTER the meal because omega 6 like butter and corn oil can dilute and mess up the effects of the fish oil.;
Do you all know of a vegetarian source for children? I have been searching for one for my daughter who is 4. Also, askdrsears.com has a childrens Omega 3 product called Go Fish if you are searching! Please email me if you also have success with this product for ADHD. I know I thought my son did better with a wal mart brand and I look forward to trying something with better quality! leahmarieisme@insightbb.com
In HIS love
Leah
Anyone read Kevin Trudeaus books? I have, in my opinion, ADHD is basically a man made disorder meaning that it is because of mans curiousity, certain chemicals, the FDA, FTC, and numerous other things that people are developing certain types of illness.
Chemicals added to food, drugs, and anything unnatural. It is not because of a lack of imitrex that a person gets migraines, it is generally traced back to nutritional deficiencies, genetic predisposition, lack of exercise, food additives, and basically anything unhealthy including too much stress.
I am not a doctor, however, I have been on many mood altering medications, including ritalin, and adderrall. I do not take any medicine, but only take vitamins, whole foods, cal/mag, and fish oil. If I could afford it I would take 10 grams a day of fish oil. I do not know how it works but my racing thoughts, distractability, and so called ADHD symptoms are almost gone.
my page was cut sorry, I take 4 grams of fish oil a day currently, and my ADHD symptoms are greatly subsided and almost gone. This did not happen until I started with the fish oil. How much of the brain is made up of fatty acids? Does it not make sense that we need to supplement or eat mercury free fish? I do not believe in modern medicine, but I believe in nature and taking care of things naturally.
I would like to know if I can give an eight year old boy 1000 mg of fish oil everyday?
I have 2 boys age 12 and 7 both with adhd and I would like too know the dosage for their ages? i have been giving them 1000mg pill at the morning time with their concerta?
I have an 8 year old son who has been diagnosed with ADHD, but I am not a fan of drugs for children. I have recently been told fish oil may help, so I bought a bottle of liquid fish oil by Carlson. Is this a good and trusted brand and what is the right dosage for a child this age at about 60 lbs., the bottle does’nt really give a dosage chart!
I have a 9yr old son on 20mg metadate and a 6 yr old on nothing but ehibiting ADD symptoms. I would like to start both of thme on fish oil but dont know the doses can you advise the proper doses.
I have been giving my five-year-old son Equazen Eye Q since Feb. 2008. The recommended dosage is on the bottle. After the first two weeks, he was actually sitting down at the table and eating dinner, instead of standing and in constant motion. He is able to carry on a conversation now, and is even asking questions, whereas before he would talk nonstop, even when we tried to get his attention. We are no longer on pins and needles because he is so much more calm and focused. He still has occasional bouts of impulsivity, but it’s not as constant as it was. Equazen is manufacdtured in England, but you can buy it online. The nice thing is, there is no risk of overdosing on vitamin A because there isn’t any in it.
FYI NOTE:
ADHD A MAN MADE TITLE TO DESCRIBE SIGNS AND SYMTOMS ONE EXPERIENCES BY NATURE
WHAT DID OUR ANCESTORS DO WHEN ONE WAS HYPERACTIVE AND ESPECIALLY AS A CHILD?
ONE WAS CALLED ENERGETIC, SMART AND FULL OF LIFE AND DEFINETLY WILL AMOUNT TO SOMETHING WHEN HE/SHE GROWS UP
I HAVE A 7 YEAR CHILD WHO SCORED A LEVEL OF HIGH INTELLIGENCE LEVEL ON HIS IQ TESTING AND WAS DIAGNOSED WITH ADHD
YEAH JUST LIKE EVERYONE ELSE MEDICATIONS WERE RECOMENDED TO CONTROL HIS HYPERACTIVITY IN SCHOOL, BUT OF COURSE I REFUSED TO NUMMB HIS BRAIN WITH CHEMICALS
DID YOU KNOW MOST INTELLIGENT PEOPLE IN HISTORY SUFFERED FROM ADHD?
I STARTED HIM ON 1000MG OF FISH OIL DAILY AND THE RESULTS WERE AMAZING AFTER JUST THREE DAYS AND THE SKY IS THE LIMIT WHAT HE IS ABLE TO ACCOMPLISH, IN ADDITION I CUT OUT ALL SUGARS FROM HIS DIET PERIOD !!
YOU HAVE NOTHING TO LOSE BY TRYING THIS NATURAL REMEDY
My son is 13 years old. In 4th grade he started having trouble with ADD. The doctor put him on Adderall. After much prayer and research of the benefits of fish oil, I took him off Adderal. I then started giving him 5 fish oil pills and a multivitamin bought at GNC per day. It has been 4 years and he is doing great on his fish oil and vitamins. I have told my husband many times that I think add is a vitamin defiency and I believe this to be true. There are so many benefits of fish oil for your whole family. Research your self.
I have just heard about fish oil… My son is on 25mg of Stratterra a day. Could I give him the fish oil as well as the his perscribed medication. Where can I find the fish oil and how much should be given. Anything is worth a shot at this point. Please help his impulstivities are going to push me right over the edge as well his lack of concentration.
My son is 12, he has been on ADHD medicine last year. This year I won’t put him on it this year, due to side effects. What is the right doseage for fish oil for his age.
Thanks
My son which is 8 now has adha. Believe me life was not easy. I have had my son on 1500mg of fish oil for almost a year now and
life could not be better. After having his teachers and Sunday school teachers coming to me because they could not handle him.
He could not stay setted in his chair or stop talking, yelling and just plain a hyper mess. After notes, letters and meetings with the principle and teachers, 2 weeks after he had been taking it, I got the most wonderful e-mail from his teacher. She had told me and many others had told us (this child needed to be on medications for his ADHD. I do not believe in this type of medication. Long story very short, He is a different child. He is very controled in his actions, he enjoys learning now and is doing very well in school. Unlike the medications childern are put on that make them feel druged. Sleepy, not wanting to eat. In a fog. My child has no drug side effects. He is triving. He just can control himself and think clearly. A normal little boy with lots of energy. But now he has the ability to reason out cause and effect. Is not out of control is heallthy and has many friends. All of our lifes are back on track.
We love him with all our hearts, and would not change natural over drugs. God bless you all.
I have the same issues as most above (a 8year old girl and a 6 year old girl with ADD symtoms) I will not do meds, but I do not see any replays. What dose of fish oil and what does of magnesium and calcium? Is it safe to give all three together?
Just want to say. Thanks. I read an article in the newspaper last week about the fish oil. My son is 11 and we just started him on the fish oil today 12/21/08. We will see… My husband and I have been taking fish oil and other vitamins for the last 11 years. Never thought this would help our child focus more and slow down. Thanks for all your comment.
I would like to try fish oil for my children age 7 and 9 – how much can i given them (mg)…
Yes, you can give your child his regular med plus fish oil. I’m doing it so I can wean DD off her Risperdal. Visit http://www.zonediet.com and in the search box type in “fish oil for adhd”. You will be taken to a page with tons of wonderful research articles on this. Also the zone diet is helping DD too.
hi Gina,
I also have 2 boys with ADHD : 10 & 11 yrs old!! I tried my eldest first with Ritalin, but didn’t like the side effects, now they are both on Concerta (12 hour slow release) and just recently started with Omega 3 Capsules. I heard through various sources that Stratterra is addictive as it is also an anti-depressant. If I was you I would recheck the medicine first.!! ;-}
Some fish oil supplements also contain these vitamins so ask you GP before attempting to increase dosage. There is no clear rule about how much EPA and DHA your child should take. “About 450-500mg per day combined EPA/DHA is a reasonable target for both adults and children” says Dr Richardson.
Some may need even more to see real benefits – but I wouldn’t recommend more than 1,000mg without expert supervision.” There should be no serious danger of your child over-dosing on fish oils, but an excess can cause a stomach upset, and some people may be allergic to them, so discuss any worries with your doctor.
I give my 6 year old son 2 tablespoons per day which is the same as 10.8 grams or 10,800 mgs. My sons behaviors are almost completely controlled by this dosage. His impulsivity is gone, he can focus and his social skills have even improved. This is much info out there and many parents have reported seeing improvements with as little as 2000mg or 2 grams. You have to try it and see what works for your best. I started high and then eased back only to see behaviors return. On the weekends I give him a much lower dose and I see his ADHD behaviors return. I do this only because it is more cost effective for us and I do not mind the bahaviors I do see. I buy the Omega RX by Zone Labs in the liquid form. I do the auto delivery because it cost less and get 2 bottles per month. 2 bottles last us approx 30 days. Buy supplimenting over the weekend with the pill form it streches the bottle of liquid out a few days longer. We need the over lap so the next delivery can arrive. My son can also swallow pills. For the pill form I buy RX Omega – 3 Factors by Natural Factors. Both are Pharmaceutical Grade fish oil. Do not skimp when it comes to fish oil quality does matter.
I just want to say I have 5 children. 3 which have adhd. My oldest who is 10 has been on meds since he was 5, his sister who is 8 has been for about a year and a half now. They were both taking Concerta just different MG’s, it works great for my son, it just doesn’t seem to help my daughter.We went to the doctor today for a recheck and she reccomended Vyvance I guess it is new. So I came home to research it and I don’t like what I hear. I am so glad I came across this website I am going to start this tommarrow instead of the new med. Thank you!!
my son is 9 yrs old he has add how much fish oil should i give him
Hi my daughter is nealy 7 and lacks concentration and bounces off the walls so to speak. My mother told me about the fish oil but I am unsure about the dose. What do you recomend?
Many thanks Erika
My son is 4 and has been diagonosed with ADHD. I have NOT put him on any kind of medication and i DONT plan on it, but i feel he is getting worse with his attitude. he gets mad so fast and easy. I woulf like to try the fiah oil. how much would i start him with, and how would i get him to take it?
Hi,
I have a 4 year old, who was very hyper, liked to bite, hit other kids or anyone to get his own way. I took him to different doctors and a psychiatrist and all they recommended was medication. I started my son on a free dairy, wheat, corn and juices diet. It was like a miracle, he completely changed. He is very calmed, follows instructions and plays nicely with other kids. I encourage you to watch the video from Dr. Doris Rapp in youtube http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ZzvIq8WISUo&feature=related or get her book in the library, you don’t need to buy it, the book name is Is this your child? Discovering and treating unrecognized allergies. It’s amazing how a diet can change the behavior in a kid.
Hi All.
To start, I’m big believer of fish oil, but this comments left me baffled.
I have 3,5 year old daughter, who is very active, I want to start giving her Fish oil, but I do not know what dosage. Now the same question has been asked so many times by others, but no replies as far as the dosage concern. All I see here “Fish oil is great I been giving it to my child and it shows great results.” It is all good, but the question IS what the dosage you are using? It seems like a lot of the people here are to sell\promote Fish Oil and not actual users.
Please can someone just tell what dosage they use, that is all I’m asking.
Thanks
My son is 3 years old, and he has shown all the symptoms of ADHD, he bites people, he hits people, he picks up things and throws it at people, Anytime i,m taking him out to public places like shopping malls, i get very scared, because he would throw up temper tantrums, he would see a toy in a shop and he would start crying, throwing himself on the floor and would refuse to stop until he gets the toy. It,s been a very exhausting for me. I,m really worried about prescribed drugs and their side effects. I,ve been reading about fish oil. Please what dosage can i give him, and how many times a day. Also what types of foods should i avoid giving him. I would greatly appreciate everybody,s respnse. God bless you all.
Bimbola.
I want to know is Omega 3 and Fish Oil the same. Which do I give for ADHD? Will it say on the bottle? This may be the wrong place to ask but the contact page did not come up.
Thank you,
Brenda
My 7 year old has been taking Carlson’s fish oil for a few weeks and I”m trying to find the right dosage. There’s been some improvement, but I think I might not be giving him enough. We use the liquid, and most of the post I’ve read use grams. Can someone give me the dosage recommendation number of teaspoons per day for the liquid.
I am a mom with a 9 years old who has ADHD. he has been on meds. since he was 5 years. I want to take him off this stuff and try the fish oil. What kind and what MG should I use for him. He is only 55 lbs and is small for his age. Can you please help me.
I have a 2 1/2 year old son who exhibits symptoms of ADHD. How much fish oil should I give him daily? Does anyone recommend a certain brand and where I can get it?
MY SON IS 2 1/2 AND VERY HYPER. HIS OLDER BROTHER WHO IS 9 HAS ADHD & I BELIVE MY TODDLER HAS IT ALSO. CAN I GIVE MY TODDLER FISH OIL ? IF SO HOW MUCH ??
I have a 7 year old son and a 10 year old son. They were both diagonosed with ADHD inattentive. I am not happy about putting them on drugs. I would like to try a natural method. What is a safe amount of Omega 3 fish oil to give to him and what brand is the best? I would like to give them the refined fish oil so they do not have toxins in their bloodstream. Thanks.
my 8 yr old is currently taking adderral xr for adhd and i am thinking about giving him fish oil what should be be his dailey dosage be? could it be more or as beneficial than the adderral xr?
I have a son that is 11 years old and I want to know what mg of fish oil is safe for him to take. He was previously on adderall for his ADHD bu tI took him off because he lost his appetite and stayed the same weight for four years not to mention the fact that he was a zombie. He is not as bad as he used to be but could use some help and I do not want to medicate him any more.
I’m 13 years old. I want to take fish oil 1200mg’s,
how much should I take?
I heard about fish oil for children that have ADHD. My 6 year old grandson does not take any medications for ADHD but I am interested in the fish oil. He weighs 65 lbs. How much should he take?
How much fish oil should I give my 6 year old grandson who weighs 65 lbs.? He is having social problems and is ADHD.