Lipid abnormalities in young patients with attention‐deficit/hyperactivity disorder

Abstract

Abnormal levels of long-chain polyunsaturated fatty acids (PUFA), particularly omega-3 fatty acid (FA), have been associated with a variety of behavioural deviations, including attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD). The aims of our study were to define the lipid status and fatty acid composition in 37 young French-Canadian patients with ADHD (6–12 years) matched by sex and age with 35 healthy controls. Consistent differences were noted in plasma lipids (triglycerides, total cholesterol, and phospholipids), lipoproteins (LDL-cholesterol, HDL-cholesterol) and apolipoproteins (Apo A-I, Apo B-100) of the subjects with ADHD. Furthermore, the proportion of omega-3 FA was significantly altered as well illustrated by the decrease in alpha-linolenic acid (ALA, p≤0.004) and the increase in EPA and DHA (p≤0.04). On the other hand, a raise of palmitic acid (p≤0.03) and a decline in oleic acid (p≤0.0001) were detected. These changes led to abnormally low ratios of PUFA/Saturates (p≤0.02), ALA/EPA (p≤0.002) and ALA/LA (p≤0.01), concomitant with a high ratio of DHA/AA (p≤0.04). Overall, this clinical survey was able to provide us with an insight into the association of ADHD with especially abnormal FA composition. Studies are underway to delineate the mechanisms.