A randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled trial of docosahexaenoic acid supplementation in children with attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder

Objective: To determine whether docosahexaenoic acid (DHA) supplementation for 4 months decreases the symptoms of attention-deficit/hyperactivity diso rder (ADHD). Study design: Sixty-three 6- to- 12-year-old children with ADHD, all receiv ing effective maintenance therapy with stimulant medication, were assigned randomly, in a double-blind fashion, to receive DHA supplementation (345 mg /d) or placebo for 4 months. Outcome variables included plasma phospholipid fatty acid patterns, scores on laboratory measures of inattention and impu lsivity (Test of Variables of Attention, Children's Color Trails test) whil e not taking stimulant medication, and scores on parental behavioral rating scales (Child Behavior Checklist, Conners' Rating Scale). Differences betw een groups after 4 months of DHA supplementation or placebo administration were determined by analysis of variance, controlling for age, baseline valu e of each outcome variable, ethnicity, and ADHD subtype. Results: Plasma phospholipid DHA content of the DHA-supplemented group was 2.6-fold higher at the end of the study than that of the placebo group (4.8 5 +/- 1.35 vs 1.86 +/- 0.87 mol % of total fatty acids; P <.001). Despite t his, there was no statistically significant improvement in any objective or subjective measure of ADHD symptoms. Conclusion: A 4-month period of DHA supplementation (345 mg/d) does not dec rease symptoms of ADHD.