Effects of Low Doses of Polyunsaturated Fatty Acids on the Attention Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder of Children: A Systematic Review

Author(s)

Grassmann, Viviane ^[1] ; Santos-Galduroz, Ruth Ferreira ^{[2, 3]} ; Fernandes Galduroz, Jose Carlos ^[1]

Affiliation

^[1] Univ Fed Sao Paulo, Dept Psychobiol, BR-04024002 Sao Paulo - Brazil

^[2] Univ Fed ABC, Ctr Math Comp & Cognit, Santo Andre, SP - Brazil

^[3] Univ Estadual Paulista, Inst Biosci, Lab Phys Act & Aging LAFE, Sao Paulo - Brazil

• Document type: Review article
• Source: Current Neuropharmacology; v. 11, n. 2, p. 186-196, MAR 2013.
• Web of Science Citations: 2

Abstract

Since attention deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) presents high prevalence among children, science has been researching alternative forms of treatment that do not involve medication. Objective: To evaluate the effects of polyunsaturated fatty acids (PUFAs) on attention deficit/hyperactivity disorder. Methods: We reviewed the articles published between 1980 and 2012 indexed in the databases PubMed, APA psychNET, Scopus and Web of Knowledge. Results: Initially 231 articles were selected, out of which 12 met the inclusion criteria. The articles selected reported a modest cognitive and behavioral improvement of the patients after treatment with low doses of PUFAs. Those results might be associated with the evaluation methodology, the doses of PUFAs administered or the duration of treatment. (AU)

• FAPESP's process: 11/08387-6 - Effect of physical training and consumption of omega 3 and 6 on Attention Deficit Disorder and hyperactivity in children
• Grantee: Viviane Grassmann Marques
• Support Opportunities: Scholarships in Brazil - Doctorate