How Popular Vayarin Alternatives Compare to Vayarin for ADHD Management
We have received multiple questions about the discontinued products Vayarin and Vayarin Plus, prescription medical foods for children with Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD), and how they compare to popular and affordable alternatives, such as over-the-counter supplements like our Cooper Complete Advanced Omega-3 supplements.
Product brochures for both discontinued products claim they “have been clinically shown to help reduce ADHD symptoms, including restlessness, hyperactivity, impulsivity and inattention.” “In a study with parents and teachers of ADHD children, Vayarin has also been shown to improve quality of life.” Vayarin was sold for $60 per month, and Vayarin Plus retailed at $80 per month for the baseline dosings. So, what was in Vayarin and Vayarin Plus for the management of ADHD compared to omega-3 supplements?
Vayarin Prescription Medical Food |
||
|---|---|---|
| Each serving contains Lipirinen® 334 mg | ||
| Ingredients | Per Serving | |
| Eicosapentaenoic acid (EPA) | 43 mg | |
| Docosahexaenoic acid (DHA) | 17 mg | |
| Phosphatidylserine (PS) | 150 mg | |
| Other Ingredients: Phosphatidylserine, Hypromellose, Silicon Dioxide, Rosemary Extract (preservative), Mixed Tocopherols (E306-E309), Ascorbyl Palmitate (E304), Titanium Dioxide (color), Caramel (color). | ||
Cooper Complete Advanced Omega-3 Dietary Supplement |
||
|---|---|---|
| Omega-3 Fish Oil as rTG (re-esterified triglyceride) | ||
| Ingredients | Per Serving | |
| Eicosapentaenoic acid (EPA) | 720 mg | |
| Docosahexaenoic acid (DHA) | 480 mg | |
| Phosphatidylserine (PS) | – | |
| Other Ingredients: Concentrated re-esterified triglyceride (rTG) fish oil (anchovy), capsule shell (gelatin, glycerine, purified water), natural lemon flavor, proprietary antioxidant blend (consisting of natural tocopherols (soy), rosemary extract, and ascorbyl palmitate) | ||
How are Vayarin, Vayarin Plus and Omega-3 Supplements Different?
The composition of Vayarin and Vayarin Plus was most comparable to that of commercially available krill oils. Typically, krill oils also contain a high concentration of phospholipids but a low level of the omega-3 fatty acids EPA and DHA. So far, research on the benefits of omega-3 fatty acids and ADHD is still lacking a conclusion. Most positive research findings indicate a modest improvement in symptoms of hyperactivity and inattentiveness†. Omega-3 fatty acids are not a replacement for standard medical treatment.
Vayarin vs Vayarin Plus: What is the difference?
Both Vayarin and Vayarin Plus contained different amounts of Lipirinen™. Lipirinen is a custom blend of krill oil containing:
- 75 mg of Phosphatidylserine (PS)
- 21.5 mg of Eicosapentaenoic acid (EPA)
- 8.5 mg of Docosahexaenoic acid (DHA)
- 334 mg of Lipirinen (Vayarin)
- 448 mg Lipirinen (Vayarin Plus)
Note that the only difference between the two products is the amount of Lipirinen.
Since omega-3 fatty acids provide overall health and anti-inflammatory benefits† in particular, it makes sense that all children (as well as adults) follow the American Heart Association’s recommendation to eat fish (especially oily fish) at least twice a week.
Advanced Omega-3 Supplement
Advanced Omega 3 Supplement contains 720 mg EPA, 480 mg DHA, and 200 mg other omega-3 fatty acids in each serving of two lemon-flavored softgels. Omega 3 supplementation supports heart health, cognition, immune, and inflammatory health without any fishy aftertaste.†
$22.98 Add to cartIn instances when regular consumption of fish isn’t possible, supplementation of omega-3 fatty acids is a practical alternative for individuals who don’t regularly consume fish†. To reduce the potential fishy aftertaste in fish oil supplements, choose an omega-3 product that is flavored or deodorized (such as Cooper Complete Advanced Omega-3) and take the fish oil supplements with a meal that includes other fats.
How large is a Cooper Complete Advanced Omega-3 softgel?
Cooper Complete Advanced Omega-3 comes in a soft gelatin, oblong shape, size 24. The capsule is approximately one inch long and slightly wider than 1/4 inch. If you have concerns about the pill size, please call our customer service team at 888-393-2221 or email us at customerservice@coopercomplete.com with your name and address, and we will send you a sample.
What Are Eicosapentaenoic Acid (EPA) and Docosahexaenoic Acid (DHA)?
Eicosapentaenoic acid (EPA) and Docosahexaenoic acid (DHA) are long-chain polyunsaturated omega-3 fatty acids present in marine life, most often found in fatty fish, such as salmon, anchovies, herring, and sardines. Krill contains lower levels of these omega-3 fatty acids than other fatty fish, but krill also includes phospholipids, which are not found in other fatty fish. Cooper Complete Advanced Omega-3 contains 720 mg EPA and 480 mg DHA in each two-softgel serving.
What Is Phosphatidylserine (PS)?
The Vayarin website previously stated that PS-Omega-3 (Lipirinen) contains phosphatidylserine (PS) and omega-3 fatty acids in one molecule. A single molecule, PS is commonly present in krill, the small shrimp-like crustaceans found in the ocean and consumed by whales.
PS is the major acidic phospholipid in the brain, normally present on the inner surface of the cell membrane, but may also be found in some supplements†. It is also present in many over-the-counter supplements with cabbage, soy or krill. Most available research on PS related to its treatment for ADHD is related to funding from Vayarin and its parent company, Enzymotec.
Mostly, these open-label trials involved scientists compensated by these companies in some fashion.
Enzymotec and Vayarin and Vayarin Plus Studies
Placebo Studies
The Vayarin prescription insert specifically referenced the outcome of two Vayarin studies. In one study, 200 ADHD children were randomized into a double-blind, placebo-controlled clinical trial. The trial lasted 15 weeks, during which children received either a placebo or four Vayarin capsules daily. Rating scales and questionnaires measured the effectiveness of Vayarin and Vayarin Plus. Mainly, testing included the Connors’ Parent Rating Scale (CRS-P), teacher rating scale (CRS-T), and child questionnaire (CHQ). Overall, the study shows a significant reduction in ADHD scores in the CRS-P (parent) assessment.
Open Label Studies
Another study referenced was a 15-week open-label study with subjects who had completed the initial double-blind, placebo-controlled clinical trial. In this study, all participants took two Vayarin capsules daily (containing 150 mg PS, 43 mg EPA, and 17 mg DHA). An issue with an open-label study is that the participants, parents and teachers all know they are taking Vayarin.
As all parties want to see improved ADHD management, subjective test results are prone to biases. Results produced in this manner are less reliable as it is harder to dismiss bias.
The study found that the children previously on a placebo and now taking Vayarin showed a significant reduction in ADHD scores. This was based on comparing new scores to baseline scores in the CRS-P (parent) and CRS-T (teacher) assessments.
In a study published in Neurology, researchers reviewed the electronic health records of 722 unique patients of Texas Child Neurology and defined “successful treatment” as any patient taking Vayarin for more than three months. Of the 722 patients, fewer than half (300) continued Vayarin for more than three months.
Additionally, approximately 60 percent of those patients reported benefits in Vayarin. Researchers found the slow response time for the medication to “take effect” as a leading cause. Additionally, cost and objections to the taste of the product were significant reasons for therapy failure.
Ultimately, it is essential to consult with your physician to determine your individual needs and find the best product for you.