Fish oil better for hyperactive children

 

http://www.theadvertiser.news.com.au/common/story_page/0,5936,19538091%5E2682,00.html
 
Fish oil better for hyperactive children
LOUISE TRECCASI
21jun06
FISH oils may be a more effective treatment than stimulant drugs for children with attention deficit hyperactivity disorder, the findings of a University of South Australia study show.

 

The largest clinic-based study of its kind involved 132 children aged seven to 12 with ADHD-related symptoms.

 

Preliminary findings were released last year, but official findings were unveiled yesterday.

 

Natalie Sinn, who led the study, yesterday said the results showed Omega-3 fish oils improved the brainpower and concentration spans of hyperactive children, without the side-effects of Ritalin, commonly used to treat the disorder.

 

Ritalin has been linked to heart problems, hallucinations and aggressive behaviour.

 

The children were divided into three groups. One group took a daily dose of Omega-3 fish oil, the second group had the same dose plus a multi-vitamin mineral capsule, and the third took placebo capsules.

 

After 15 weeks, 30-40 per cent of the children in the two groups who took fish oils showed significant improvement in hyperactivity and concentration levels compared to the placebo group.

 

 

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