AA and DHA are decreased in paediatric AD/HD and inattention is ameliorated by increased plasma DHA

The purpose of this study was to assess long chain polyunsaturated fatty acid (LCPUFA) status in relation to sociobehavioral outcomes in children with Attention Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder (AD/HD). In a case-control design, plasma phospholipid fatty acid content was assessed in children aged 5-12 years with AD/HD and in typically functioning children. Dietary intakes of LCPUFAs arachidonic acid (AA; 20:4n6) and docosahexaenoic acid (DHA; 22:6n3) were quantified using a four-day food record, polymorphisms were determined in FADS1 and FADS2, and socio-behavioral outcomes were assessed using the Conners 3 Parent Rating Scales in a cross section of children with AD/HD. Compared to typically functioning children, plasma AA and DHA were 40% lower in children with AD/HD. Median intake of AA, but not DHA, was higher in children with AD/HD compared to typically functioning children. Polymorphisms in FADS1 (rs174546) and FADS2 (174575) were associated with higher plasma linoleic acid (LA; 18:2n6) level. Plasma DHA level was inversely associated with inattention score. Despite having an elevated intake of AA, children diagnosed with AD/HD have a reduction in plasma AA level which may be due in part to polymorphisms in the fatty acid desaturase (FADS) gene cluster or increased conversion to AA-derived metabolites. Increasing intake of DHA may ameliorate symptoms of inattention in AD/ HD.

Automated summary

This study aimed to evaluate the relationship between long chain polyunsaturated fatty acid (LCPUFA) status and sociobehavioral outcomes in children with Attention Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder (AD/HD). The study found that children with AD/HD had lower levels of plasma arachidonic acid (AA) and docosahexaenoic acid (DHA) compared to typically functioning children. Polymorphisms in the FADS1 and FADS2 genes were associated with higher levels of plasma linoleic acid (LA) and decreased DHA levels were correlated with inattention symptoms in AD/HD. Increasing DHA intake may help improve inattention symptoms in AD/HD.