Release Date: August 17, 2009

What do fish oil, 4.7 million children and ADHD have in common?

According to a 2008 University of Guelph study, when two groups of adolescents, ADHD and non-ADHD, were fed identical diets of DHA, an essential fatty acid found in high levels of fish oil, the ADHD group had significantly lower DHA and total omega-3 levels. Abnormal EFA profiles, independent of dietary intake, suggests abnormal EFA utilization by the body in adolescents with ADHD. Giving high doses of DHA and EPA has been shown to increase levels of EFA's and significantly reduce ADHD related behaviour.

"With our modern diet a child is more likely to be deficient in DHA than any other vitamin or mineral." says David Khang, Founder and President of Platinum Naturals, supplementing with fish oils with high concentrations of DHA and EPA can help reduce behavioral problems associated with ADHA, including inattention, hyperactivity, and impulsivity. DHA functions as a structural element in human cell membranes, while EPA works throughout all life stages in reducing the risk of inflammation and disease.

"Platinum's Omega Pure Brain is formulated with a higher dosage of DHA versus EPA to provide a good building block for neurological development in children," says Peter Karner, RHN and Education Director for Platinum Naturals. EPA and DHA are important biologically and work synergistically.

Only high quality, pure fish oils, free of contaminants such as heavy metals and pesticides should be used in a supplement. Platinum Naturals, a Canadian supplement manufacturer, uses only molecularly distilled fish oils that have been tested for purity and potency by International Fish Oil Standards organization (www.IFOS.ca).

Colter AL, Cutler C, Meckling KA. Fatty acid status and behavioural symptoms of attention deficit hyperactivity disorder in adolescents: A case control study. Nutr J 2008;7:8.

Centres for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). CDC Fastats: Attention Deficit Disorder with Hyperactivity. Online document at www.cdc.gov/nchs/fastats/adhd.htm.

Ocean Nutrition Canada. The Health Benefits of Omega-3 EPA, and How It Works with DHA to Improve Overall Human Health, A Comprehensive Review of Current Literature and Findings on Eicosapentaenoic Acid (EPA).