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We look at the effect of essential fatty acids, found in fish oils, on brain function and developmental disorders of learning and behaviour.
‘Fish
is good for the brain’ - an old wives tale,
yes, but it seems our grandmothers’ grandmothers knew what they were
talking about. A scientific study of 100 children, with learning
difficulty, from 12 Durham Schools, is indicating that the oil from
carnivorous fish like salmon, mackerel and herring can boost brainpower
and learning ability. The Durham Trial by Dr Alex Richardson is expected
to show an improvement in school performance for over 40% of children.
Dr Richardson is a leading expert on the effect of fish oils on
developmental disorders like dyslexia, dyspraxia and ADHD, conditions
which are now estimated to affect around 10 million people in Britain
– and the results are promising.
Essential
fatty acids, particularly the Omega 3 family (those found in fish
oil) have been found to be deficient in many children with these
developmental disorders. Essential fats make up a large part of the
brain and nerve cells, specifically at the synapses, or junctions, which
transmit information to each other. Lack of these fats may result in
incomplete or over-active communication between the cells and be
implicated in developmental disorders. Essential fats are also a vital
component of the retina needed for vision, which has been found to be
problematic for many developmental disorders.
Physical
Symptoms of Fatty Acid Deficiency
Many of these symptoms are apparent for children with developmental
disorders:
Excessive thirst*,
Frequent urination*,
Dry flaking skin,
‘Chicken Skin’ – bumps on back of arms, thighs or cheeks,
Brittle, soft or splitting nails,
Dry unmanageable hair,
Dandruff,
Eczema,
Asthma,
Frequent infections and Poor wound healing. All conditions, but in
particular*, could have other causes, if persistent should be discussed
with the GP
Other
nutritional factors which may be involved
As with any condition, there are many factors involved and supplementing
essential fats may not be helpful for everyone or only helpful as part
of an overall nutritional programme.
Dr Ben Feingold, an American Naturopath, discovered that many
hyperactive children are sensitive to chemicals, colourings and
additives in foods and non-food items like bubble bath, toothpaste and
playdough. A group of naturally occurring chemicals known as salicylates
in tomatoes, oranges and orange flavoured drinks and snacks as well as
other fresh and dried fruits can also be problematic for some children.
Food allergies and intolerances are also commonly problematic,
especially to milk, grains (especially those containing gluten like
wheat), sugar, eggs, chocolate, citrus fruits, corn, cheese and fish. It
is interesting to note that essential fatty acids form an important part
of the structure surrounding cells. Essential fat deficiencies can cause
leaky membranes, which are one of the causes of allergy – if
undigested food goes through a leaky gut wall and into the blood the
immune system sees it as an invader, which it must attack resulting in
allergic reactions.
Before embarking on any elimination or exclusion diet it is vital that
advice from a doctor, dietician or nutritionist – if a child is very
sensitive to say cow’s milk and it is eliminated from the diet
withdrawal can be severe and if it is then reintroduced after some time,
there may be severe reaction.
Further information / references
Dr A.J. Richardson, Food and Behaviour Research:
www.fabresearch.org
The Hyperactive Children’s Support Group, 71 Whyke Lane,
Chichester, West Sussex, PO19 7PD t: 01243 551313
Dyslexia Research Trust:
www.dyslexic.org.uk
The Dyspraxia Foundation:
www.dyspraxiafoundation.org.uk
Durham Research: website on the Durham Trial, using fatty acids for
learning conditions
www.durhamtrial.org
© Joanna
Majithia 2004
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