Dietary supplementation with highly unsaturated fatty acids: Implications for interventions with persons with mental retardation from research on infant cognitive development, ADHD, and other developmental disabilities
Date
2006
Authors
Parletta, N.
Wilson, C.
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Glidden, G.L.
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Book chapter
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Source details - Title: International Review of Research in Mental Retardation, 2006 / Glidden, G.L. (ed./s), vol.32, Ch.ch. 6, pp.159-196
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Abstract
Attention‐deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) is the most common neurodevelopmental disorder of childhood with prevalence estimated at between 2% and 18% in the general population of children. This chapter discusses the possible role of highly unsaturated fatty acids (HUFAs), together with a brief description of research that has tried to explain the mechanism by which HUFAs impact brain development. The chapter reviews research that has linked various cognitive and behavioral outcomes, including ADHD, to HUFA intake and discusses a possible role for HUFA supplementation as a therapy for ADHD‐related behaviors specifically and for developmental disorders more generally. Children with a range of developmental disorders including mental retardation and ADHD display problems in attention and learning, may be hyperactive and distractible, and may have difficulty with impulse control and aggression that result in the production of maladaptive social behavior. The chapter proposes that consideration be given to further testing of dietary interventions, both as an approach to treatment and as a therapy for prevention in groups considered at high risk for the later display of developmental disorders.
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