Is Fish Oil Good for ADHD?

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On May 13, 2025

When it comes to fish oil and ADHD, there have been a number of research investigations — and even more claims unsupported by science.

What the Science Says About the Benefits of Fish Oil for ADHD

Some research has found a correlation between low levels of omega-3 in children and ADHD.

Other studies suggest inflammation may play a role in ADHD and that omega-3 acids can help counter inflammation.

These observations, combined with other insights into ADHD, have led to the theory that increasing omega-3 intake might improve ADHD symptoms.

More recent studies support these findings, concluding that omega 3 supplements reduced inattention in boys both with and without ADHD.

But scientists aren’t convinced that omega 3s can make a notable difference for people with ADHD.

“In clinical trials with humans, supplementing with combined DHA/EPA for at least three months has improved attention and cognitive performance in youth with ADHD, but the results were modest at best,” says Ashvin Sood, MD, a psychiatrist with Washington Interventional Psychiatry in Washington, DC.

He notes a meta-analysis incorporating data on 10 trials that found a small positive effect favoring fish oil over placebo. “However, most of these studies aren’t very strong,” Dr. Sood notes.

“In ADHD studies, the beneficial effects of fish oil supplements tend to be small, and the evidence is not as strong as for stimulant medications or behavioral therapy,” says Rachel V.F. Rohaidy, MD, a psychiatrist at Baptist Health Miami Neuroscience Institute in Florida.

Debunked Fish Oil Claims

Many popular claims about the benefits of fish oil for ADHD are not backed by science.

‘Fish Oil Cures ADHD’

“This is simply false,” says Sood. “The effect of omega-3s is mild and cannot compete against treatments like Ritalin.”

Studies comparing the effectiveness of fish oil with ADHD stimulant medications like Ritalin (methylphenidate) or Adderall (amphetamine and dextroamphetamine) have found that fish oil had a much smaller effect, says Dr. Rohaidy.

‘Fish Oil Alone Can Treat ADHD’

Adding omega-3s to your treatment plan may help, but they should never replace standard care, says Markus Ploesser, MD, a psychiatrist and integrative medicine physician at Open Mind Health. This is especially true for people with moderate to severe ADHD, he notes.

‘Every Child With ADHD Should Take Fish Oil’

“Some children benefit, especially those with low baseline omega-3 levels, but it’s not universally effective,” says Dr. Ploesser.

Some studies have found that fish oil supplements can improve ADHD symptoms like impulsiveness and inattention in kids with omega-3 deficiency, but that doesn’t mean the findings can be generalized to the whole ADHD population.

‘Fish Oil Pills Are Just as Good as Eating Fish’

“A common myth is that taking fish oil pills is just as effective as eating omega-3-rich fish,” says Sood. “In reality, whole foods seem to confer broader benefits.”

“Whole-food sources of omega-3s provide additional nutrients and may be better absorbed,” adds Ploesser.

Still, high-quality supplements can be beneficial and can raise omega-3 levels, “particularly if one doesn’t eat fish,” says Sood.

‘All Omega-3 Supplements Are the Same’

Not all fish oil supplements are the same. “The EPA-to-DHA ratio matters,” says Rohaidy. “Some evidence suggests that a higher EPA ratio may be more beneficial for ADHD symptoms.”

Sood says that “Some cheaper brands might contain lower concentrations or impurities. A myth is assuming any omega-3 pill will do. In truth, high-purity, high-EPA/DHA products are preferable — and some include antioxidant vitamin E to prevent spoilage.”