How Fatty Acids Help ADHD

Some leading researchers believe that ADHD results from a fatty acid deficiency. Dr Alex Richardson, Senior Research Fellow, Mansfield College, University of Oxford, and University Laboratory of Physiology, University of Oxford, is a world-leading authority on fatty acids and ADHD, dyslexia and autistic spectrum disorder. In a paper published in 2003, entitled Fatty Acids in Dyslexia, Dyspraxia, ADHD, and the Autistic Spectrum, Dr Richardson explains that:

"Scientific evidence suggests that imbalances or deficiencies of certain highly unsaturated fatty acids (HUFA) may contribute to a range of behavioural and learning difficulties including ADHD, dyslexia, dyspraxia, and autistic spectrum disorders. This could help to explain the strong familial associations between these conditions and their common overlap within the same individuals.

"Research indicates that omega-3 fatty acids are more likely to help than omega-6 (although both are important for optimal brain function). Of the omega-3 fatty acids, the latest evidence indicates that it is EPA - not DHA - that is likely to be most beneficial for these purposes."

Fatty acids are fundamental for our health and well-being as they are essential constituents of every living cell in the human body. EPA is an omega-3 fatty acid, which derives from oily fish. GLA is an omega-6 fatty acid, which derives from virgin evening primrose oil.

Without enough fatty acids, communication between our cells ceases to operate properly, which, in the case of the dopamine pathway, could affect functions such as attention and concentration - both being fundamental factors in ADHD.

The way to prevent a fatty acid deficiency is to take a fatty acid supplement that is rich in EPA and GLA. Although DHA (another type of omega-3 fatty acid) plays an important structural role in the brain, if the body has enough EPA then it can convert it into exactly enough DHA when and where it needs it. In addition clinical research shows that the higher the ratio of EPA to DHA in a supplement, the more effective the supplement becomes. VegEPA has the highest ratio possible - it contains ultra-pure EPA and absolutely no DHA. VegEPA also contains virgin evening primrose oil, which is rich in GLA, another important fatty acid.

Recommended dosage

Children below the age of 10 years should take 1 capsule of VegEPA daily. Children above 10 years should take 2 capsules of VegEPA daily. For younger children who may have difficulty swallowing capsules, the capsules can be pierced and mixed with yoghurt or orange juice.