Chronicle Journal - Stories -

Opinion Poll
A wind farm is proposed for the Nor‘Wester range south of Thunder Bay. What‘s your view on the proposal:
	In favour — green energy is the way to go
	No way, not in our backyard
	Well, it might spur much needed economic development
	Don't know — I hear many conflicting claims

More Links	tbayjobline	TbayWeddings	Play Games!	^New! eVents Calendar	Advertise with Us	Contact Us

Other Links	Movie Times	Airport	Bus Schedule	Road Conditions	Library	Weather

Fish oil’s effect on attention deficit hyperactivity disorder studied
By JIM KELLY
Tuesday, July 10, 2007

Email this article
Send a Letter to the Editor
Printer friendly page

In the only Canadian study of its kind, researchers in Thunder Bay are studying a link between souped up fish oil supplements and its effects on attention deficit hyperactivity disorder.
Attention deficit hyperactivity disorder, ADHD, is one of the most common mental disorders that develop in children.
Children with ADHD have impaired functioning in multiple settings, including home, school, and in relationships with peers. If untreated, the disorder can have long-term adverse effects into adolescence and adulthood.
Symptoms of ADHD will appear over the course of many months, and include impulsiveness, hyperactivity and inattention.
Dr. Ed Rawana, director for the Centre of Excellence for Children and Adolescents with Special Needs, said a new Omega-3 fatty acid supplement has shown dramatic results in children with ADHD.
Also known as polyunsaturated fatty acids (PUFAs), omega-3 and omega-6 fatty acids play a crucial role in brain function as well as normal growth and development.
But this is not an ordinary Omega-3 supplement that can be purchased over the counter.
Dubbed Eye Q, the mixture of fish and plant-derived lipids will be measured for its effectiveness at reducing attention difficulties.
Rawana said the most important ingredient is marine fish oil which influences brain development.
He said some studies in England have suggested that Eye Q seems to have some beneficial effects to reduce symptoms of ADHD.
“It was a significant reduction,” he said.
Rawana said half of a control group received the supplement and half received a placebo and he‘s hoping to get two groups of 30 children in Thunder Bay to volunteer for a similar study.
“If the differences are significant (in the Thunder Bay study), that would indicate the substance has some merit,” Rawana said.
He said the local study would take about three months and will run into the fall.
He said Eye Q is only part of the treatment for ADHD.
“If a child is using other medications, then this is part of the solution but it‘s not the whole solution,” Rawana said.
Other researchers working on the study include Brian Ross, associate professor of neuropharmacology at the Northern Ontario School of Medicine and study co-ordinator Jennifer Seguin, who is completing her master of arts degree in clinical psychology.
Rawana said this research is specifically interesting for two reasons.. The supplement is not yet marketed in Canada and this is the first clinical trial that has taken place at Lakehead University.
People seeking more information about the study can call study co-ordinator Jennifer Seguin at 768-9572 or the Children‘s Centre Thunder Bay at 343-5000.
Top of Page

Games!
Canadian Crossword
PlayFour!
Word Roundup