Total red blood cell concentrations of ω-3 fatty acids are associated with emotion-elicited neural activity in adolescent boys with attention-deficit hyperactivity disorder

Gow, Rachel V.; Matsudaira, Toshiko; Taylor, Eric; Rubia, Katya; Crawford, Michael; Ghebremeskel, Kebreab; Ibrahimovic, Almira; Vallée-Tourangeau, Frédéric; Williams, Leanne M.; Sumich, Alexander

doi:10.1016/j.plefa.2008.12.007

Cited by 23 publications

(15 citation statements)

References 39 publications

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“…no cardiovascular disease) controls [61], and major depressive disorder (MDD) patients have low evening DHA levels [62]. Low levels of DHA are also linked with other behavioral disorders, such as attention deficit hyperactivity [63] and autism spectrum disorder [64]. Disturbances in emotional behaviors are consistent with these disorders, thus the present finding of decreased anxiety in the predator odor test in omega-3 fatty acid supplemented rats suggests that it may have broader efficacy in stabilizing mood in humans.…”

Section: Discussionmentioning

confidence: 99%

Adult emotionality and neural plasticity as a function of adolescent nutrient supplementation in male rats

McCall

Mahadevia

Corriveau

et al. 2015

Pharmacology Biochemistry and Behavior

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The present study explored the effects of supplementing male rats with either choline, omega-3 fatty acids, or phytoestrogens, from weaning into early adulthood, on emotionality and hippocampal plasticity. Because of the neuroprotective properties of these nutrients, we hypothesized that they would positively affect both behavior and hippocampal function when compared to non-supplemented control rats. To test this hypothesis, male Sprague Dawley rats were assigned to one of four nutrient conditions after weaning: 1) control (normal rat chow); 2) choline (supplemented in drinking water); 3) omega 3 fatty acids (daily oral supplements); or 4) phytoestrogens (supplemented in chow). After 4 weeks on their respective diets, a subset of rats began 3 weeks of behavioral testing, while the remaining behaviorally naïve rats were sacrificed after 6 weeks on the diets to assess numbers of adult-born hippocampal neurons using the immature neuron marker, doublecortin. The results revealed that choline supplementation affected emotional functioning; compared to rats in other diet conditions, rats in this group were less anxious in an open field and after exposure to predator odor and showed less behavioral despair after forced swimming. Similar behavioral findings were evident following supplementation with omega-3 fatty acids and phytoestrogens supplementation, though not on all tests and not to the same magnitude. Histological findings followed a pattern consistent with the behavioral findings: choline supplementation, followed by omega-3 fatty acid supplementation, but not phytoestrogen supplementation, significantly increased the numbers of new-born hippocampal neurons. Choline and omega −3 fatty acids have similar biological functions—affecting cell membranes, growth factor levels, and epigenetically altering gene transcription. Thus, the present findings suggest that targeting nutrients with these effects may be a viable strategy to combat adult psychopathologies.

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Section: Discussionmentioning

confidence: 99%

Adult emotionality and neural plasticity as a function of adolescent nutrient supplementation in male rats

McCall

Mahadevia

Corriveau

et al. 2015

Pharmacology Biochemistry and Behavior

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“…Plasma levels reflect more recent fluctuations (days) in phospholipids while erythrocytes reflect more long term changes (months). Studies were excluded for not having a control group (Gow et al, 2009; Sorgi, Hallowell, Hutchins, & Sears, 2007; Vaisman et al, 2008), or if data were not reported or discoverable upon inquiry (Germano et al, 2007; Itomura et al, 2005; Stevens, Zentall, Abate, Kuczek, & Burgess, 1996). Fig.…”

Section: Study 1: Blood Lipid Profiles Of Children With and Withoumentioning

confidence: 99%

Omega−3 fatty acid and ADHD: Blood level analysis and meta-analytic extension of supplementation trials

Hawkey

Nigg

2014

Clinical Psychology Review

131

115

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Interest in the value of Omega—3 (n—3) fatty acid supplementation for treatment of ADHD remains high. No prior meta-analysis has examined whether ADHD is associated with alterations in blood lipid levels and meta-analyses of supplementation have reached conflicting conclusions. Methods We report two new meta-analyses. Study 1 examined blood levels of Omega—3 fatty acids in relation to ADHD. Study 2 examined a larger sample of randomized intervention trials than previously reported. Results Study 1 included 9 studies (n = 586) and found lower overall blood levels of n—3 in individuals with ADHD versus controls (g = 0.42, 95% CI = 0.26–0.59; p < .001). Study 2 included 16 studies (n = 1408) and found that n—3 supplementation improved ADHD composite symptoms; using the best available rating and reporter (g = 0.26, 95% CI = 0.15–0.37; p < .001). Supplementation showed reliable effects on hyperactivity by parent and teacher report, but reliable effects for inattention only by parent report. Conclusions Omega—3 levels are reduced in children with ADHD. Dietary supplementation appears to create modest improvements in symptoms. There is sufficient evidence to consider Omega—3 fatty acids as a possible supplement to established therapies. However it remains unclear whether such intervention should be confined to children with below normal blood levels.

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“…There are some preliminary research studies reporting differential effects of EPA and DHA in relation to cognitive and emotional responses [113, 114]. …”

Section: Differential Effects Of Epa and Dha In The Brainmentioning

confidence: 99%

“…Gow and colleagues [114] have reported the relationship between erythrocyte HUFA levels and event-related potential (ERP) responses to the presentation of happy, sad and fearful faces during an emotional processing task in a small sample of adolescent boys with ADHD. The authors created an ERP cognitive bias paradigm based on 2 premises (1) Beck’s theory of depression which postulated that individuals with depression gravitate towards negative schema and stimuli and (2) evidence which suggests that children with ADHD have difficulty correctly identifying the emotional expression of others especially in relation to fear and anger [115].…”

Section: Differential Effects Of Epa and Dha In The Brainmentioning

confidence: 99%

Omega-3 Fatty Acid and Nutrient Deficits in Adverse Neurodevelopment and Childhood Behaviors

Gow

Hibbeln

2014

Child and Adolescent Psychiatric Clinics of North America

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Synopsis Nutritional insufficiencies of omega-3 highly unsaturated fatty acids (HUFAs) may have adverse effects on brain development and neurodevelopmental outcomes. A recent meta-analysis of ten randomized controlled trials of omega-3 HUFAs reported a small to modest effect size for the efficacy of omega-3 for treating symptoms of ADHD in youth. Several controlled trials of omega-3 HUFAs combined with micronutrients (vitamins, minerals) show sizeable reductions in aggressive, antisocial, and violent behavior in youth and in young adult prisoners. Meta-analyses report efficacy for depressive symptoms in adults, and preliminary findings suggest anti-suicidal properties in adults, but studies in youth are insufficient to draw any conclusions regarding mood. Dietary adjustments to increase omega-3 and reduce omega-6 HUFA consumption are sensible recommendations for youth and adults based on general health considerations, while the evidence base for omega-3 HUFAs as potential psychiatric treatments develops.

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Total red blood cell concentrations of ω-3 fatty acids are associated with emotion-elicited neural activity in adolescent boys with attention-deficit hyperactivity disorder

Cited by 23 publications

References 39 publications

Adult emotionality and neural plasticity as a function of adolescent nutrient supplementation in male rats

Adult emotionality and neural plasticity as a function of adolescent nutrient supplementation in male rats

Omega−3 fatty acid and ADHD: Blood level analysis and meta-analytic extension of supplementation trials

Omega-3 Fatty Acid and Nutrient Deficits in Adverse Neurodevelopment and Childhood Behaviors

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