PLUSEPA From Minami Nutrition Helps Kids Combat ADHD

Young people are often criticised for having "short attention spans" and "being too hyper" but many are suffering from a commonly occurring and treatable problem. According to NHS statistics, 3-9% of children have attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) which can affect their emotional development, learning abilities, sleep patterns and attitudes towards authority. However, parents of ADHD-afflicted children need not despair about their kids' futures as the PLUSEPA dietary supplement from Minami Nutrition ( http://www.moreepa.co.uk ) offers proven treatment for childhood ADHD.

A study into the effects of ethyl-EPA1, a derivative of the Omega-3 fatty acid on which PLUSEPA is based, shows compelling evidence that taking ethyl-EPA supplements is effective in remedying Omega-3 deficiency and, hence, improving the behaviour and oppositional symptoms in ADHD-affected children. Naturally found in oily fish, Omega-3 can benefit children with ADHD in terms of improving concentration, interest in studies and capacity for learning.

The research into ethyl-EPA1, conducted in eight Swedish research centres and with 92 participating ADHD children divided into two subgroups (those with oppositional behaviour and those with less hyperactivity/impulsivity), showed that the children responded well to 15 weeks of pure ethyl-EPA supplements administered at a dose of 500 mg/day. The research has been accepted for publication in the highly respected ‘Acta Paediatrica', which highlights the credibility of this complementary treatment that provides a feasible alternative to prescription anti-ADHD drugs such as Ritalin, which do not suit all children.

In the study, the EPA supplements mainly improved attention problems, as measured by the Conners' Teacher Rating Scales (CTRS score) (p=0,04). Amongst the findings within a subgroup of 48 ADHD children with oppositional behaviour, 48% of the EPA users showed = 25% progress in total CTRS score, while such benefit was observed in only 9% of users who had taken a placebo (p=0,01). With teachers noting a significant improvement in the subjects, the response to EPA was obvious from the fifth week of supplementation and was maximised after 10 weeks of treatment.

Jo Wyckmans, CEO of Minami Nutrition, who has passionately supported research in this field for many years, said: "This key study shows an improvement in the behaviour and oppositional symptoms in ADHD children treated with pure ethyl-EPA1, commercially sold as PLUSEPA, which is freely available as a dietary supplement."

He adds: "Researchers have told us that oppositional behaviour is characterised by constant disobedience, rebellion and even aggression. These children have a higher level of problems at school so management of this type of ADHD is important for their ultimate success in life and to avoid the issues of adult ADHD, which can lead to recurrent, major depression."

Christopher Speed, dietician and president of Minami Nutrition, USA, says: "This is an important finding as ADHD children with less hyperactivity/impulsivity tend to have less response to stimulant treatment."

Before entering the study, children who responded to EPA treatment had lower EPA levels (p=0,02) and higher ratios of AA/EPA (p = 0,005) and AA/DHA (p=0,03) in their serum and red blood cells. After 15 weeks of supplementation, the EPA concentration in their serum and red blood cells was increased by approximately 160%. This rise in EPA coincided with a fall in Omega-6, and was associated with the clinical improvement.

PLUSEPA from Minami Nutrition is freely available from pharmacies as a dietary supplement.

SOURCE: Minami Nutrition