Supplements are a convenient and easy way to supply your body with the nutrients it might be lacking. One of the most known and used supplements include omega 3 fatty acids. These essential acids are loaded with health benefits, especially for brain health and cognitive functioning. When omega 3 and 6 fatty acids are provided in specific ratios, it has been shown to further improve concentration levels in kids affected by ADD and ADHD. Here is a closer look at the ultimate brain food.
Omegas: what are they?
Most omega fatty acids are derived from fish such as herring, sardines, or mackerel, while others are from plant sources like flax, walnuts or algae. The main types of omega fatty acids are (ALA alpha-linolenic acid), EPA (eicosapentaenoic acid) and DHA (docosahexaenoic acid).
Since the body cannot make fatty acids, supplementation is key. In fact, in the 70’s, omega-based supplements became popular when Danish researchers found that those who consumed fatty fish showed better brain health than those who didn’t. Since then, it has been proven repeatedly, that omega 3 fatty acids play a significant role when it comes to cognitive health and brain development.
Omega 6 fatty acids also play an important role. Maintaining a balance or often referred to as a ratio, between omega 3 and omega 6 ratio may be important for optimal brain health.
Omega 3/6 and ADHD
ADHD or attention deficit hyperactivity disorder can affect both children and adolescents alike and is defined as an inability to focus that is accompanied by hyperactivity and impulsivity. Lower levels of omega 3 fatty acids in children have been found to be linked to behavioural and learning difficulties in recent research. It has been suggested that these nutrient deficiencies can be reversed with supplementation which will ultimately help improve ADHD symptoms. It has been proven that the right ratio of omega 3 and omega 6 can help improve concentration levels in those affected by ADHD.
Would your child benefit from supplementation?
If your child or adolescent is on ADHD medication, he or she might be having certain undesirable side effects. The most common ones with these types of these stimulant medications are lack of appetite and sleeplessness. Even though there is no cure for ADHD, there are several options to help manage symptoms. One of those possibilities is to supplement with specific ratios of omega fatty acids that have been clinically proven to help with kids with ADHD. It’s important to note that people with ADHD shouldn’t use fish oil supplements to replace any current treatments, but rather ask their doctor about the potential benefits when combining a suitable essential fatty acid supplement with the medication. Make sure to opt for a clinically researched and proven supplement aimed to help with ADHD symptoms, like EQUAZEN® which helps improve concentration levels.
EQUAZEN®: A proven natural approach to help children and adolescents with ADHD symptoms
EQUAZEN® is the leading European supplement brand of clinically researched omega 3/6 fatty acids for kids and adolescents with ADHD. EQUAZEN® has been investigated in numerous clinical studies and has shown significant results in increasing concentration for kids and adolescents with ADHD. The product uses a clinically proven 9:3:1 ratio of EPA, DHA, and GLA, to increase concentration in kids with ADHD. GLA (Gamma linolenic acid) is an omega-6 oil derived from primrose oil. Although it is an omega-6, it helps support omega 3 fatty acids with its anti-inflammatory function. All oils used in EQUAZEN® are extracted with care for the ocean and from smaller species of fish, for optimal purity.
By Jennifer Soueida, B.Sc.
