Effects of N-3 fatty acids (DHA and EPA) on cognitive control and associated brain activity in ADHD: a double-blind placebo controlled study.

Introduction and objectives: Previous studies have shown that children with attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) may benefit from dietary supplementation with omega-3 fatty acids (EPA and DHA). The objective of this study is to determine the effects of EPA/DHA supplementation on cognitive control and associated brain activity in prefrontal and striatal areas. Methods: Boys with ADHD (N = 40) and typically developing boys (N = 40), aged 8–12 years, participate in a pre- and post treatment fMRI session. Cognitive control will be assessed using a go/no-go paradigm. During the intervention period children are randomised to receive a supplement containing EPA/DHA or a placebo product on a daily basis. Symptoms of ADHD will be assessed on a monthly basis. Cheek cell and urine samples are collected for physiological analyses. Results: At this point we are in the process of data acquisition and researchers are blind to intervention group. Preliminary analysis of the baseline scans to date (N = 4 typically developing, 5 ADHD) shows decreases in activation for subjects in ADHD in cognitive control regions, similar to other reports. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]