Omega 3 and ADHD

  

Some kids who behave badly like not sitting still, do not listen and follow instructions no matter how clearly you present them, or who blurt out inappropriate comments at inappropriate times, are not likened and usually labeled as troublemakers, or criticized for being lazy and undisciplined.  These are signs of Attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) that appears in early childhood. Is a frustrating attempt for people to inhibit their spontaneous responses that can involve everything from movement to speech to attentiveness.

Causes

+  ADHD is the most commonly studied and diagnosed psychiatric disorder in kids, affecting about 3-5% of them worldwide with two to four times more frequently in boys than in girls.  The disorder is highly heritable and that genetics are a factor in about 75% of all cases.

+  On environmental factor, a 2010 study found that pesticide exposure is also strongly associated with an increased risk of ADHD in kids these days. Elevated mercury levels, which can come from eating commercially-bred fish were tied to a higher risk of developing the symptoms, such as hyperactivity and inattentiveness. Pregnant mothers have to take note of this.

Brain structure

Scans done on such kids showed reduced blood circulation (indicating low neural activity) and low dopamine level in the frontal cortex associated with immediate attention and short term memory resulting in low content retention. This condition is not so much due to low dopamine production but rather by a decrease of actively looking for pleasant stimuli and poor motivation. For such abnormality, there is a prominent delay by about 3 years from normal development in the frontal cortex and temporal lobe, as both are responsible for the ability to control and focus thinking.


What to look out for?

Do not mistaken ADHD kids to be hyperactive only because there are those who are quiet with their attention miles away. Some put too much focus on a task and have trouble shifting it to something else. Others are only mildly inattentive, but overly impulsive. Hence kids who only have inattentive symptoms of ADHD are often overlooked, since they are not disruptive.

In summary, kids with ADHD may be:

• Inattentive, but not hyperactive or impulsive.
• Hyperactive and impulsive, but able to pay attention.
• Inattentive, hyperactive and impulsive (the most common form of ADHD and easier to spot amongst schooling kids).

Symptoms of inattentiveness:

• Does not pay attention to details
• Makes careless mistakes
• Has trouble staying focused and easily distracted
• Appears not to listen when spoken to
• Has difficulty remembering things and following instructions
• Has trouble staying organized, planning ahead and finishing projects
• Gets bored with a task before it is completed
• Frequently loses or misplaces homework, books, toys, or other items

Symptoms of hyperactive-impulsive may include:
+   Fidget and squirm in their seats
+   Talk nonstop
+   Dash around, touching or playing with anything and everything in sight
+   Have trouble sitting still during dinner, school and story time
+   Be constantly in motion
+   Have difficulty doing quiet tasks or activities
Symptoms of impulsivity:
+   Be very impatient
+   Blurt out inappropriate comments, show their emotions without restraint, and act without regard for consequences
+   Have difficulty waiting for things they want or waiting their turns in games.

Trouble begins…

When a child displays a number of ADHD signs and symptoms that are present across all situations—at home, at school and at play, it is time to give the child some help by finding creative solutions and discovering their strengths to focus on, so as to manage and minimize the symptoms. The time is imperative because these kids are unlikely to focus and control themselves, and may struggle in school, get into frequent trouble, and find it hard to get along with others or make friends. Such frustrations and difficulties can lead to low self-esteem as well as friction and stress for the entire family. Remember that if the issue is not addressed, it can continue into adulthood and outgrow the problem.

Just because a child has symptoms of inattention, impulsivity or hyperactivity does not mean that he or she has ADHD. Certain medical conditions, psychological disorders, and stressful life events can also cause symptoms that look like ADHD.

Looking at a positive angle, there are also positive traits associated with people who have ADHD:

• Creativity– They can be marvelously creative and imaginative. The child who daydreams and has many thoughts at once can become a master problem-solver, a fountain of ideas or an inventive artist. Though they may be easily distracted, but can notice things which others do not see.
• Flexibility– Given their abilities to consider a wide range of options, they do not fix on one alternative prematurely and are more open to different ideas.
• Enthusiasm and spontaneity– Such kids are rarely boring! In fact they are lively personalities and are live-wires in social circles.
• Energy and drive– Once motivated, they work or play hard and strive to succeed. It actually may be difficult to distract them from a task that interests them, especially if the activity is interactive or hands-on.

ADHD has nothing to do with intelligence or talent but ADHD kids are intellectually or artistically gifted.  So is important to give them the right support and harness their powerful energies to get on track for success in all aspects of life.

How Omega 3 helps?

As mentioned above, ADHD kids are found to have reduced blood circulation in the brain. Being the center of all intellectual ability, it is can thus affect the ability to focus and concentrate. Other factors - environment and dietary factors should be closely monitored too. An environment that is free of distractions and conducive to concentration is important. Diet also affects the child’s ability to focus and this can easily be corrected by diet modification program for instance introduce essential vitamins, minerals and other nutrient such as Omega 3 fatty acids.

Basically our brain comprises 70% fats of which 20% is DHA. Similar to EPA, DHA is also an essential fat, which mean the bodies cannot manufacture and thus has to be obtained from external sources. With insufficient intake, the development of brain and nervous system especially for the children can be adversely affected.

Studies found that eating at least 2 servings of fish per week was linked to about 60% lower risk of kids developing certain ADHD-like symptoms. These ADHD kids showed definite improvements in their school grades and ability to concentrate. Such changed behaviors help them to become calmer, focused and better able to achieve their full potential. 

VIVA corner

Where fish is not available or there is an aversion to eating more fish, dietary supplement of concentrated fish oil capsules is an excellent alternative. Choosing a product that is pure and concentrated and has the highest levels of DHA and EPA fatty acids is important for higher effectiveness. VIVA Omega3 offers this combination as well as check stringently on mercury contamination.


The growing children require more DHA than EPA. The recommended ratio of DHA: EPA in most infant formula should be range 1:1-2:1 for the optimum weight and development. VIVA Sma-tee provides DHA:EPA in 1.8 : 1.0. To achieve a daily intake of 200 mg DHA, 2 capsule is good enough.