I found this really interesting, and very necessary information for a wide swath of the general public. Too many kids (and adults?) are labeled as ADD or ADHD and need to learn how to manage their symptoms by choice. Through lifestyle. With nutrition. Dr. Pam Popper speaks so candidly, read below for more.

Visit her website as well, the wellness forum dot com for details or to sign up for her newsletter…

Dear Dr. Pam: My naturopath has recommended DHA supplements and fish oil for my child, who has ADD. She says this is needed because the brain needs fat for function and my child cannot get enough of these fats from foods.

“First, there is no evidence that children (or adults) cannot get enough of any nutrient, including fat, from a well-structured plant-based diet. So there is no need to supplement the diet with more fat; in fact, most children eat too much fat and need to reduce fat consumption.

There are some studies showing that children improve while taking these supplements, but just as many that have shown no effect. My objections to using them are several. First, I do not like to make recommendations based on scant evidence. If the preponderance of the evidence does not support a protocol, I’m not likely to recommend it. There just is not clear evidence that supplementation with fish oil or any other supplement for that matter, improves behavior and focus. Second, supplements, like drugs, only address symptoms not underlying causes. Taking DHA pills will not address parenting issues, discipline, and a child’s propensity to make bad choices, which must be addressed in order to insure a productive and happy future for children.

Last but not least, there are side effects from taking supplements that must be considered. While they are (usually) less toxic than drugs, anything, including a dietary supplement that has the potential to have a positive effect will by its very nature have a side effect. In the case of Omega-3 supplements, a large meta-analysis published in the British Medical Journal showed little positive effects from taking these pills, and an increased risk of cancer could not be ruled out.

The plan of action I outlined previously addresses the underlying issue and is a better and safer option.

An important last comment regarding the ADD/ADHD issue…

I am vociferously opposed to the labeling of children (or anyone for that matter) with titles like ADD, ADHD, depression, anxiety, etc. When children are given these labels, they begin to be defined by them. They see themselves as defective individuals who are helpless to change their circumstances and therefore must be medicated. Home, school, and other environments then accommodate their “disability” with special classes, dispensing of medication, and other adjustments. This is, in my opinion, not the best way to prepare children for life. The world can be a very unaccommodating place for people who are disadvantaged and while I am a huge proponent for making sure that people are not discriminated against due to disabilities, I am also a huge proponent for making sure people are no unnecessarily led to believe that they have disabilities.

I am sure my comments will make some people quite angry, but I abandoned most attempts to be politically correct in favor of being truthful and helpful a long time ago.”