Cod liver oil for ADD?

[lisko15]

Hi Mamas,

I recently got this suggestion from a friend IRL, and wondered if anyone else has had success with it. She really thought it helped her DS when she used it.

My DD is in 2nd grade, and we've recently started the ADD evaluations as we are finally to the point where her inattention, difficulty focusing and staying on task is really affecting her academically. There is also question of some number/math related learning disability. We have an appointment with her doctor next week, and I believe after that we will start a school evaluation as well as a private child psychologist evaluation.

Now, I'm not 100% against medication if it seems she really needs it, but I do really feel a hesitation in my "gut" about it. So if I could go a more natural route, I like that way, way better.

DD also suffers from what I believe is mild SPD, and definitely has explosive/impulsive behavior at home with me (not at school or with other family members, she keeps it all inside for Mom), and I read that the Omega 3's can also help with mood.

Any input is so helpful and appreciated!

[columbusmomma]

There has been documented research about the benefits of omega 3's in regards to the brain and add/adhd. I give my DS, who has the dx of adhd an omega 3,6,9 supplement in addition to his medication. He did use it before taking prescribed medication however I didn't notice any "improvement" in behavior,or attention,focus,etc.

[NataliaI]

There is a lot of research that suggests that CLO is helpful for attention and behavior issues. I have tried various brands and doses over the years and never saw any effects in my children.

Homeopathy has been very helpful.

[LauraLoo]

In addition to CLO, there are also studies that show that deficiencies in zinc, b-vitamins, and magnesium attribute to ADHD-like behavior. Tyrosine (an amino acid) has also been shown to help. Food allergies or intolerances, sensitivity to food dyes, additives, and preservatives can also play a part as well as sleep disturbance issues.

You also mentioned a possible learning disability/difference which can also contribute to behavioral issues. Have your dd's eyes been checked, and I mean really checked, by a developmental optometrist for vision related issues?

I think it's good that you are sleuthing and I definitely wouldn't suggest medication until you've tried other alternatives first.

[Emmeline II]

I have seen people post here about seeing improvement with CLO.
I saw some improvement with a magnesium supplement. There have been a couple of studies with children with Autism and 50% showed improvement in behavior using both a magnesium and a B6 supplement.

[lisko15]

Thanks for the responses Mamas! I may try it, since it can't hurt - along with a really good multivitamin.

LauraLoo - DD is quite nearsighted, she already wears glasses and sees an ophthalmologist yearly. So at this point any behavior or learning issues probably aren't stemming from a vision problem.

I have her parent-teacher conference this Thursday. I'm interested to hear what her teacher thinks in more detail. Thankfully she has a wonderful teacher this year that without an IEP, on her own initiative, started pulling DD out to sit at her table for one-on-one during tests and even reads the tests with her to help her stay on task. I'm so appreciative!

DD does read above grade level... so at this point we are only dealing with the inattention/focusing/following directions difficulties and some number confusion.

Thanks again! I'll bring the post back if I find either help DD!

[LauraLoo]

Originally Posted by lisko15

LauraLoo - DD is quite nearsighted, she already wears glasses and sees an ophthalmologist yearly. So at this point any behavior or learning issues probably aren't stemming from a vision problem.

You may want to read this thread -- this mama's dd had been to an opthalmologist for quite some time, but the dd was still struggling with vision issues including learning how to read. A developmental optometrist and vision therapy are really helping this dd.

http://www.mothering.com/discussions....php?t=1256001

GL!

[LauraLoo]

Originally Posted by lisko15

DD does read above grade level... so at this point we are only dealing with the inattention/focusing/following directions difficulties and some number confusion.

I also wanted to say that my ds was reading well above grade level, but also had some issues with vision that were helped with vision therapy when he was 7 years old. His issues were undetected before then because he was working above grade level, but he was struggling and did has some ADHD-like symptoms due to the fact that he was having a hard time processing what he was hearing and seeing-- using his eyes and his ears together, if that makes sense.