Hi all, Since there was much focus on this subject on the old forum, thought I would pass along some info I learned today. On an NPR radio program called " The People's Pharmacy", Dr. Ned Hallowell, a psychiatrist, was interviewed about ADD and ADHD, primarily in children. He mentioned several times that Omega-3's were being used now as an alternate treatment to meds for ADD. Responding to a caller's question about FO, he said that he was going to start a study at Harvard on the treatment of ADD using PGFO from Sears Lab. He specifically said that he was doing this study with Dr. Barry Sears. He gave his website address: http://www.drhallowell.com which also lists his credentials as being an instructor at Harvard Medical School. Does this mean that there will be two studies on PGFO taking place at Harvard (or cooperating medical facilities) concurrently. Please pass along any info that you might have on this study. As a fifth grade teacher, I am keenly interested in any alternative treatments for ADD/ADHD. I have been hesitant to date to mention PGFO to parents and students who are dealing with this difficult situation until more data is available. Debbie :)

<Wouldn't it be in everyone's best interest to stop taking for granted so many have ADD/ADHD and ponder the thought that inattention, impulsivity and hyperactivity are not so serious? Creating a bogus serious condition in order to make a profit in curing a bogus serious condition is inhumane > Why don't you try telling that to the children and parents of children who suffer frustration and heartbreak while trying to deal with the very real difficulties that arise from inattention, impulsivity, and hyperactivity. Calling this medical condition bogus is an insult to those who suffer from it, and your statements are inhumane! :( <Critics warn that parents' and teachers' assessments of what constitutes "inattention" and "impulsivity" are highly subjective and that doctors' prescribing practices for methylphenidate are far from uniform.> Responsible educators do not diagnose, nor do they prescribe treatment; however, the behaviors that are observed when this condition manifests itself are identifiable and easily documented. Does that mean that these behaviors are always indicative of ADD/ADHD? No, and I agree that <utmost vigilance to prevent the overdiagnosing of ADD and any medically-unjustified treatment with methylphenidate and other stimulants.> should be used, but that does not mean that the condition does not exist. < any treatment of any kind, including high doses of fish oil, should be a last resort only after professional evaluation to be sure any dose of anything is warranted> Precisely why reputable medical professionals should diagnose and studies on alternative treatments should be done! Debbie

The fatty-acid deficiencies in people with conditions such as ADHD is well documented. Simply put, we have evolved on a diet rich in omega-3 fatty acids--it is not suprising that incorporating more long-chain omega-3's in the diet would have a beneficial effect. I do not consider Omega-3's as something one should have in their diet as a "last resort". Please note that this is not saying that high amounts shouldn't be monitored, but I wouldn't put omega-3 fatty acids in the same class as Ritalin. Dr. Daniel Amen's work has shown that children with ADHD have brain scans very similar to those of sufferers with Alzheimers--both showing significantly reduced blood flow. Information on his work with ADHD can be viewed at www.amenclinic.com Anybody interested in more information on PGFO and treatment of ADHD should check out Rene Espy's work at the New Hope Center. www.adoptapatient.org The site's a little confusing to navigate through --the New Hope Center, Kids Need us Now LLC, Nature's Mighty Bites, Adopt-a-Patient, Bodyintegration--I believe its all under the same umbrella.

Thank you for this information. I will visit the websites you mentioned. :)

Hi Debbie, You are probably unaware that olive oil was an alias used by Rich 3 years ago on zone perfect. The viewpoint expressed is identical with what he previously posted . It distracts from the issue of using PGFO to combat a chemical imbalance that is well proven. In your role as a teacher it is very difficult to fully endorse something that may not yet be fully mainstream. IMO the omega 3 revolution is only just starting. Even AHA now recomends 900mg a day. On that basis I believe you can suggest to trial it, and let them be the judge based on the modified behavior. White Light

I posted this on the old forums after I saw the case studies by Dr. Epsy on ADD and ADHD children. It really was amazing. [color=blue:79e15d9616][quote:79e15d9616] From: a_blacker on: 12/06/2001 at: 09:40 PM When I was at the Sears Course Dr. Epsy presented a study on ADD, ADHD children, Alzheimer patients and patients with dementia. Their brain scans looked identical ie. you could not tell the difference between Alzheimer patients and children with ADHD. When young children in kindergaren that suffered from ADD were tested some of their AA/EPA ratios were 37, ideal is 1.5. They had basically no Omega 3 fatty acids in their blood. After being treated for only 3-6 weeks with 2 tablespoons of pharmaceutical grade fish oil daily as well as following the Zone diet their ratios dropped to 3. Some of these children that could not even read or write could now read books and concentrate. The results are phenomenal. Anne-Marie[/quote:79e15d9616][size=9:79e15d9616][/size:79e15d9616][/color:79e15d9616]

Anne-Marie, White Light, and Scott, Thanks for the info and websites on this issue. I am passing this along to a parent tomorrow and will let them do the research and form their own opinions! Many parents are eager to read about any and all treatments, esp if there is hope to opt out of the medication route. This is all so new to me that I am treading very lightly, but I do appreciate the opinions of those who have already gained a considerable amount of knowledge in this area. The hope that parents and children [i:5b569e787f]might[/i:5b569e787f] find the help they so desparately need in PGFO is very exciting. At the very least, it is another avenue to consider as they struggle to understand and manage this difficult situation. Debbie :D

Hello! I am very interested in this topic. I purchased Dr. Sears new book, Omega RX Zone, almost a month ago specifically for my 8 yr old child with ADD. I purchased Dr. Sears PGFO next. However, I have been unsuccessful in getting her to take it. The capsules are too big for her to swallow and she could not stand the big brain shake (nor could I to be honest.) I have tried making fruit smoothies using different ingredients, but she could not tolerate the smell or taste(even though I keep the liquid in the freezer). She should be taking 2 tablespoons, but I can't even get her to take 1 teaspoon. She is not a finicky eater and wants very much to try it because I explained the benefits (although I did not tell her it was fish oil. I told her it was brain food). I had requested help on this forum right before it switched to the new system, so if I got any replys, I did not get a chance to see them. My husband says lemon juice kills the smell on strong odors, so I am trying to do something with lemon juice - lemonade, lemon smoothie, etc, but have not found the right trick yet. I am committed to helping my daughter achieve her best without medication, and will not give up! I would appreciate anyone with wisdom/suggestions in this area! Thanks, Julie

Hi Julie, First, I want to mention that my son's had excellent results with his ADD on 2T liquid Omega RX per day. He now is at 1T per day. He began it when he was 15. Since you said she wants to try taking it this may work. Biting on strong citrus fruit will momentarily take away sense of taste. It was recommended in the literature that accompanies the Omega RX purchase. I know several people who could not tolerate taking it in any way with any food, but have been successful in taking it this way.Have her bite on a lemon or lime wedge for a few seconds. Then take it immediately straight from the spoon in one big gulp. You can even have her hold her nose as she swallows the spoonful. Have her eat or drink something immediately to help get rid of the oil in her mouth before her taste buds get back to normal. Once she's gotten used to this, she may even eventually begin taking it without the lemon or lime wedge. My son still chooses to gulp water imediately after swallowing the FO. Good Luck! Sue

Sue, Thanks so much for your input. I had read the lemon trick in Dr. Sear's book, but did not know if it would work for a child. I'm glad someone else has been successful with it. How great for your son to have benefited so well from it. I hope to post a success story within the next 6 months for my daughter! Thanks, Julie

Hi, I forgot to mention that my son is almost 18 now and has been on FO for over 2 years. Also I spoke with his pediatrician regarding using Fo before I began giving it to him. His dr was very much in favor of it. Sue

Hi, This may be of help to you also. When my son began his 2T dose it was with personal help from Dr. Sears. He had my son take 2 teaspoons for the first week, then increase to 4 teaspoons the following week for one week. At the end of the second week it was increased to the full 2 tablespoon dose. This allows the body to adjust to the level of supplementation gradually. He did have some loose stool at one point during the first couple weeks, but it was only temporary. The stool was very loose but still retained a little bit of form to it. Dr. Sears explained that if it still has some form to it it's ok. If it had been all water, no form to it, it would then be considered diahrrea and the remedy would be to cut back on the amount of the FO dose for a short time and then gradually increase again. It usually is then tolerated fine the second try. Sue

Sue, Thanks so much for the information. My daughter started taking the FO last night and did very well. However, my husband wanted to try to put it in lemonade made with lemon juice and nutrasweet. He made it strong enough to hide the FO taste and we added one teaspoon. She drank it up and talked about being able to read her new words in school the next day because of her new "brain drink". We are slowly going to work up to the 2 tablespoons like you recommended. I don't think we will be able to camoflage 2T FO in lemonade, so eventually I will have to get her to take it straight using the lemon/lime trick. I think she will be more agreeable to it after a few weeks of the "brain drink". I'm just thrilled we finally got over the first hurdle of getting started. I will let you know her progress! Thanks again. You've been so helpful! Julie

[quote:8400411526="peardoor"]. I will let you know her progress! Thanks again. You've been so helpful! [/quote:8400411526] Hi Julie, That's great. Yes, I agree that you probably won't be able to hide 2T in a drink! :? Is she eating in the Zone? I'm sure you're already aware that it's highly recommended to get the best possible results. Best wishes , Sue

Yes, the whole family has now switched to the Zone. The funny thing is I became intriqued with the zone becuase of Omega Rx book and what I had heard about PGFO and ADD. But after reading it, I realized we all needed to "get in the zone". We've been doing it for about a month now. We've all slimmed down a few lbs, but more importantly, we're losing body fat and that is our focus. My husband is even a believer because of how much better he feels. Most important, I know that I am giving my daughter the best foundation posible to assure she succeeds! Julie