Abstract
Increasing evidence suggests that dietary deficiencies of omega-3 fatty acids can contribute to many common disorders of behaviour and learning, including Attention-Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD), dyslexia, dyspraxia and autism. The highly unsaturated omega-3 fatty acids found in fish oils (EPA and DHA) are absolutely essential for brain development and function, but are often lacking from modern diets. Omega-3 deficiencies are already linked with a wide range of physical and mental health problems in adults, including cardiovascular disease, various inflammatory disorders and depression.
Many features of childhood behavioural and learning disorders are consistent with omega-3 deficiencies, and direct evidence from blood biochemical studies supports this proposal. Randomised controlled treatment trials have now shown that dietary supplementation with omega-3 from fish oils can improve attention and concentration, reduce disruptive behaviour and boost reading and spelling progress in children with behavioural and learning difficulties. Studies are now investigating whether omega-3's may have similar benefits for the general school population.
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