A diet lacking omega-3 fatty acids may be linked to higher rates of attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) symptoms in adolescents, according to new research from Birzeit University in Palestine. The findings echo previous studies in Western countries, suggesting the link between omega-3 intake and attention may hold true across cultures.
Researchers surveyed 211 adolescents between ages 10 and 12, including 38 diagnosed with ADHD, to assess how diet and socioeconomic factors influenced attention and behavior. Using a culturally adapted food frequency questionnaire, the team found that those with lower omega-3 intake scored higher on ADHD symptom measures, even after accounting for factors such as age, gender, family income and parental education.
“Adolescents with insufficient omega-3 consumption exhibited more attention-related and behavioral difficulties compared to their peers with adequate intake,” said study author Omar Almahmoud of Birzeit University.
Omega-3 fatty acids play a vital role in brain growth and cognitive function, yet the body can’t produce them on its own. Foods such as fish, walnuts, flaxseeds and chia seeds are primary sources. The researchers note that access to these foods can be limited in regions affected by conflict and economic instability, where affordability and food availability shape children’s diets.
The study, published in The International Journal of Adolescent Medicine and Health, also found that socioeconomic disparities directly influenced omega-3 intake. Adolescents from lower-income households were more likely to consume diets deficient in omega-3, which was in turn associated with greater attention and behavioral challenges.
While the study doesn’t prove that low omega-3 causes ADHD symptoms, the authors say the results strengthen evidence that nutrition plays a key role in cognitive and behavioral health. They suggest that school-based nutrition programs and caregiver education could be a low-cost way to help improve access to omega-3–rich foods for growing children.
The authors reported no declared funding and no conflicts of interest.