Table 3.
Results from regression models relating ADHD status and n-6:n3 metrics and pro-inflammatory cytokines in pregnant individuals (N = 68).
| Omega-6:Omega-3 | AA:EPA | TNF-α | IL-6 | |||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| β (SE) | p | β (SE) | p | β (SE) | p | β (SE) | p | |
| ADHD statusa | 0.30(0.11) | 0.008 | 0.30(0.09) | 0.001 | 0.35 (0.13) | 0.01 | 0.03(0.15) | 0.83 |
| Fatty acid supplement statusb | 0.06(0.18) | 0.72 | −0.55(0.08) | <0.001 | −0.03 | 0.79 | 0.02(0.15) | 0.90 |
| Pre-pregnancy BMI | – | – | – | – | 0.35 (0.11) | 0.001 | 0.44(0.13) | <0.001 |
a
0 = Control, 1 = Heightened ADHD Symptoms.
b
0 = not taking a fish oil or fatty acid supplement, 1 = taking a fish oil or fatty acid supplement.
BMI, body mass index; AA, Arachidonic Acid; EPA, Eicosapentaenoic Acid; TNF-α, Tumor Necrosis Factor-alpha; IL-6, Interleukin-6.
Results of these regression models suggest that individuals in the heightened ADHD symptoms group had, on average, higher ratios of omega-6-to-omega-3 fatty acids (as measured by the total ratio of total omega-6s to total omega-3s, as well as by the ratio of AA to EPA), and that they had higher mean concentrations of TNF-α.