Evidence supporting the use of: DHA-conjugated phosphatidylserine
For the health condition: Attention Deficit Disorder

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Synopsis

Source of validity: Scientific
Rating (out of 5): 2

DHA-conjugated phosphatidylserine (PS-DHA) has been explored as a nutritional intervention for Attention Deficit Disorder (ADD) and Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD), based on the roles of both DHA (docosahexaenoic acid) and phosphatidylserine in brain health. DHA is an omega-3 fatty acid essential for neuronal membrane fluidity, while phosphatidylserine is a phospholipid involved in cell signaling and neuroprotection. A handful of small randomized controlled trials and open-label studies have examined PS-DHA supplementation in children with ADHD. Some of these studies, such as those by Hirayama et al. (2014) and Manor et al. (2012), suggest mild improvements in attention, impulsivity, and hyperactivity symptoms compared to placebo, but the effect size is generally modest and sometimes not statistically significant.

Systematic reviews and meta-analyses, such as the 2017 review in European Child & Adolescent Psychiatry, conclude that the evidence for PS-DHA or omega-3 fatty acid supplementation in ADHD is mixed and of generally low to moderate quality. There is currently insufficient high-quality, large-scale evidence to support routine use. Nonetheless, PS-DHA is sometimes used as an adjunctive therapy in clinical practice, especially in cases where parents seek non-pharmacological options or where children have documented low omega-3 levels. In summary, while there is some scientific investigation and preliminary support, the evidence is limited, justifying a modest evidence rating.

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