Omega-3 and Omega-6 Fatty Acids for Pediatric ADHD

Attention-deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) is one of the most common neurodevelopmental disorders in children. Stimulant medications like Adderall, Ritalin, and all of their subtly different formulations remain the go-to treatment for ADHD,  however there is increasing demand for effective non-pharmacological interventions to support children with ADHD. Omega-3 and omega-6 fatty acids, particularly formulations that combine these two essential fats, have emerged as a promising option. For healthcare providers treating pediatric ADHD, understanding how these fatty acids support cognitive function and symptom management is essential to providing high-quality, holistic care.

The Role of Omega-3s and Omega-6s in Brain Health

Omega-3 and omega-6 fatty acids are both essential for overall health, and their role in brain development and function is especially important during childhood. Omega-3s, specifically EPA and DHA, are known for their anti-inflammatory effects and their contribution to cognitive function. These fats are crucial for the structure and fluidity of brain cells and cell membranes, supporting communication between neurons. Individuals with ADHD have been found to have lower levels of omega-3s in their cell membranes, contributing to challenges with attention, emotion regulation, and impulse control (DiNicolantonio & O’Keefe, 2020).

Omega-6 fatty acids often get a bad rap, especially in integrative and functional medicine circles, due to their association with inflammation when consumed in excess from processed foods. However, not all omega-6s are the same, and some—like gamma-linolenic acid (GLA)—have unique anti-inflammatory properties that actually support brain health. Omega-6s are essential fatty acids, meaning the body cannot produce them on its own, and they play a critical role in cell membrane function, immune regulation, and brain development. When balanced with omega-3s, GLA can help modulate inflammation and enhance neurological function, making it a valuable component of ADHD treatment.

Clinical Evidence: Omega-3 and Omega-6 Formulations in Pediatric ADHD

While omega-3s have long been the superstar fatty acids when it comes to supporting mental and cognitive health, literature is accumulating that inclusion of certain omega-6 fatty acids, namely GLA, may lead to even more robust outcomes when it comes to ADHD symptom management. Formulations that combine omega-3s and GLA have gained attention in the treatment of pediatric ADHD, especially in clinical trials involving products like Equazen. These studies suggest that a balanced ratio of omega-3s and omega-6s can help reduce symptoms of ADHD, including inattention, hyperactivity, and impulsivity, in children (D’Helft et al., 2022).

For example, a randomized controlled trial involving Equazen, which combines EPA, DHA, and GLA, found significant improvements in both attention and behavior in children with ADHD; even more impressive, Equazen was as effective as Methylphenidate, a mainstay pharmacological treatment in ADHD (Barragán et al., 2016). In another placebo-controlled trial, children and adolescents with ADHD treated with a combination of omega-3s and omega-6s experienced a 25% reduction in ADHD symptoms (Johnson et al., 2012). In another impressive randomized controlled trial, supplementation with a combined omega-3/6 supplement led to improvements in reading, spelling and behavior in a cohort of children with developmental coordination disorder (DCD) (Richardson & Montgomery, 2005).

The combination of omega-3s and GLA may work synergistically to support brain function and reduce neuroinflammation, a factor often dysregulated in individuals with ADHD. Specifically, a 9:3:1 ratio of EPA: DHA: GLA has been shown to improve red blood cell levels and even improve compliance with stimulant therapy (Derbyshire, 2017).

How Omega-3 and Omega-6 Formulations Work

The effectiveness of omega-3/omega-6 formulations for ADHD in children comes down to the balance between these essential fats. Omega-3s are well-known for their role in reducing neuroinflammation, supporting synaptic plasticity, and promoting healthy neurotransmitter signaling, key functions for maintaining attention and cognitive performance (Zhou et al., 2022).

GLA, a potent omega-6, supports these processes by helping to balance omega-6 and omega-3 levels in the brain. When combined with omega-3s, GLA enhances the anti-inflammatory effects of omega-3s and supports overall brain health, helping to regulate neurotransmitter activity. Unlike other omega-6 fatty acids, which can contribute to inflammation when consumed in excess, GLA works to reduce inflammation and promote optimal brain function.

Practical Takeaways for Providers

For healthcare providers working with pediatric patients, offering omega-3/omega-6 supplementation as part of an ADHD treatment plan can be a valuable strategy. Whether patients (or their parents) are seeking alternatives to stimulant medications or looking for ways to augment their current treatment, omega-3/omega-6 supplementation may help improve symptoms in a safe and effective way.

In addition to supplementation, discussing dietary sources of omega-3s and omega-6s with parents is critical. Omega-3-rich foods like fatty fish (e.g., salmon, mackerel), flaxseeds, and walnuts can be included in the child’s diet. GLA is harder to find in foods, however there are small amounts in hemp seeds, spirulina, and organ meats.

Conclusion

For pediatric patients with ADHD, omega-3 and omega-6 fatty acid supplementation, particularly in the form of balanced formulations containing GLA, offers a promising integrative solution. These fats support brain function, reduce inflammation, and help balance neurotransmitter activity, providing a complementary or alternative treatment option to stimulant medications. By understanding the clinical evidence and practical application of omega-3/omega-6 supplementation, integrative psychiatry providers can offer more personalized and holistic care options to children with ADHD and their families.