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ESSENTIAL FATTY ACIDS AND CHILDREN Dyslexia and attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) cause great distress for many children – and their parents. These stressful developmental conditions are becoming more common, affecting – up to 20 per cent of school age children and accounting for the majority of minors with special educational needs. But now it’s been announced that deficiencies in a family of micronutrients, called essential fatty acids (found in fish oil and evening primrose oil) may cause dyslexia and ADHD. In clinical trials, ADHD children treated with fatty acids had a reduction in symptoms. Dr Alexandra Richardson, a senior research fellow in neurosciences at Imperial College School of Medicine, London, has spent the last 15 years researching common developmental conditions such as dyslexia and ADHD. Dr Richardson says, “The first trial involving dyslexic children showed that supplementation with fish oil and evening primrose oil can reduce behavioural and learning problems in those with ADHD tendencies. “Particular improvements were found in attention, concentration and working memory, but disruptive behaviour and hyperactivity in these children also responded to EFA (essential fatty acids) treatment and marked reductions were seen in anxiety and withdrawal.” Studies investigating mood disorders have shown the importance of diet in brain function. One study found that the rate of depression varied depending on the level of seafood consumption. Those who ate more fish had lower levels of depression. EFAs, such as those found in fish oil and evening primrose oil, are crucial for normal brain development and function. EFA deficiencies can be found in people with dyslexia and ADHD. ether in 30-50 per cent of cases. “Finally”, says Dr Richardson, “it is emphasised that factors other than EFA should always be considered in the nutritional management of behavioural and learning difficulties. An adequate supply of other essential micronutrients is crucial and many, such as zinc, are likely to have interactive effects on fatty acid metabolism.” ____________________________________________________________________________ References: Richardson, A. Fatty acids in dyslexia, dyspraxia, ADHD and the autistic spectrum. The Nutrition Practitioner. 2001;3(3):18-24,66 |
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