Journal article
Polyunsaturated fatty acids, cognition and literacy in children with ADHD with and without learning difficulties
Journal of Child Health care, Vol.15(4), pp.299-311
2011
PMID: 21828168
Abstract
Suboptimal omega-3 polyunsaturated fatty acid (n-3 PUFA) levels may contribute to attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) and related developmental problems. Associations between n-3 and omega-6 (n-6) PUFA levels in red blood cells (erythrocytes) and learning and behaviour were investigated in 75 children aged 7–12 with ADHD. Children provided blood samples and underwent cognitive assessments. Parents completed questionnaires and Conners’ Rating Scales. Controlling for covariates, higher n-3 PUFA predicted lower anxiety/shyness (β = -.27), higher docosahexaenoic acid (DHA) better word reading (β = .22), and higher n-6 PUFA poorer reading (β = -.34), vocabulary (β = .-.26), spelling (β = -.30) and attention (β = -.30). Thirty-six per cent of the sample with learning difficulties had lower DHA than those without (M = 3.26 ± 0.54 vs M = 3.68 ± 0.76, p = .02). This study is the first to compare erythrocyte PUFAs (a measure of PUFA status) in children who have ADHD with and without learning difficulties, and supports emerging indications that the former may be more likely responders to n-3 PUFAs.
Details
- Title
- Polyunsaturated fatty acids, cognition and literacy in children with ADHD with and without learning difficulties
- Authors
- Catherine M Milte (Author) - University of South AustraliaNatalie Sinn (Author) - University of South AustraliaJonathan D Buckley (Author) - University of South AustraliaAlison M Coates (Author) - University of South AustraliaRoss Young (Author) - Queensland University of TechnologyPeter RC Howe (Author) - University of South Australia
- Publication details
- Journal of Child Health care, Vol.15(4), pp.299-311
- Publisher
- Sage Publications Ltd.
- DOI
- 10.1177/1367493511403953
- ISSN
- 1741-2889
- PMID
- 21828168
- Organisation Unit
- Office of the Deputy Vice-Chancellor (Research and Innovation); University of the Sunshine Coast, Queensland
- Language
- English
- Record Identifier
- 99551706702621
- Output Type
- Journal article
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Source: InCites