Relation between omega 3 fatty acid, iron, zinc and treatment of ADHD

In some studies, it is suggested that a number of dietary factors including essential fatty acid, iron and zinc deficiency, may be linked to attention-deficit/hyperactivity-disorder [ADHD]. However, the exact mechanism of this relationship is yet unclear. The purpose of this study is to investigate the relationship between omega-3 fatty acids, zinc, and iron in etiopathology and management of ADHD. For the purpose of this study, Science Direct, PubMed, and Medline databases were explored and thirty-four relevant articles in english language were collected. Eighteen out of twenty-two studies confirmed the relationship between omega-3 fatty acid and ADHD. In addition, the role of insufficient store of iron in developing ADHD symptoms and the positive effect of iron supplement in improvement of ADHD behavioral symptoms have been shown. Also, plasma zinc concentration in children with ADHD was lower than the normal population, and the effect of zinc supplement on reducing on attentive-deficit symptoms was contradictory. Although polyunsaturated fatty acids [PUFA] and iron supplements are not suggested as main treatment for ADHD, but if future studies confirm the positive results of that, use of these supplements as complementary treatment will affect ADHD symptoms. Considering the little amount of studies on zinc, more research is necessary

[Phenylketonuria and its dietary therapy in children]

Phenylketonuria [PKU] is the most common autosomal recessive disease. Hyperphenylalaninemia is caused by deficiency or inactivity of the phenylalanine hydroxylase in liver. In this disorder phenylalanine in not metabolized to tyrosine. Increased levels of blood phenylalanine causes irreversible brain damage. As infants with PKU do not show any clinical signs in the postnatal period, first stage in treatment is an effective screening and diagnosis. Main treatment of PKU is diet therapy, which should be initiated before the third week of life and monitored by a team formed of a pediatrician, an experienced dietitian, a psychologist, a social worker and a nurse. Phenylalanine-restricted diet should provide enough protein-energy and other nutrients for an optimal growth and brain development and include tyrosine supplement to preserve the phenylalanine plasma concentration in a range of 2 to 6 mg/dl. The exact amount should be prescribed based on age, specific genotype, growth rate and individual need for energy. Successful management of PKU patients should be monitored by growth rate. Duration of diet therapy is controversial; continuing phenylalanine-restricted diet beyond adolescence is recommended