ADD? Or could your child simply be suffering the reversible effects of a nutritional deficiency? Studies have shown that mental and physical disorders such as:
- Depression (including postpartum)
- Learning difficulties
- Attention Deficit Disorder (ADD)
- Autism
- Bad moods
- Chronic inflammation and
- Visual impairment…
…are often due to a lack of Omega-3 fatty acids in the brain and body. It is essential for us to consume these long-chain Omega-3 fatty acids directly to optimize the health of key areas within the body. Omega-3s are comprised of many polyunsaturated fatty acids, including Alpha-Linolenic Acid (ALA’s), Eicosapentaeonic Acid (EPA’s) and Docosahexaenoic Acid (DHA’s).
Omega-3 fatty acids enhance communication between brain cells by making the cell membrane more fluid. Given that every function within our bodies is coordinated by the brain, dramatically improving brain function is immensely beneficial. But that’s certainly not where the health benefits of Omega-3s end. These oils are great to support healthy hair and skin, elevate moods, help with the growth and development of your brain, assist in a healthy pregnancy, increase energy, and regulate blood sugar, to name a just a few.
Beginning in pregnancy, Omega-3 deficiency may result in premature birth and its potential neurological complications. Some research has suggested that Omega-3 fatty acids can at the least, prolong pregnancy by a few days and increase birth weights. While pregnant, Omega-3 fatty acids are conveyed from the mother’s blood to the developing fetus by way of the placenta. In the final month of pregnancy, and the initial month of neonatal life, Omega-3 fatty acids are rapidly incorporated into the brain of the newborn. It is essential for mothers to include additional amounts of Omega-3s into their diet during this time. Omega-3 fatty acids continue to be essential to infant brain development after birth, and infants who are breast fed receive higher levels of the important fatty acid.
Essential Fatty Acids or EFA’s cannot be produced by the body and we therefore need to get them from alternative sources. There are two ways of meeting your essential fat requirements: one is from the diet, the other is to supplement using concentrated oils. The modern Western diet is unfortunately very low in Omega-3, and therefore most people fall into the category of having to supplement. Many large food manufacturers have also now jumped on this bandwagon, offering everything from bread to ice cream that is fortified with Omega-3. Unfortunately much of this Omega-3 is very low quality to start with, and it is then subjected to heat and manufacturing processes that further decrease its effectiveness.
Research has shown that children who do not consume enough Omega-3s, may have a decreased ability to pay attention and control impulsive behavior. There are many studies which suggest that Omega-3 supplementation provides improvement in such things as behavior and academic performance. Unfortunately, instead of researching basic underlying issues such as poor diet, many children are given a label and medicated with very severe pharmaceuticals, that can have serious and lasting side effects. One study by the University of South Australia and CSIRO, conducted by PhD student Natalie Sinn looked into the effect of Omega-3 and fish oil on ADHD. From this study, the introduction of Omega-3 was found to show an overall positive improvement in the behaviour and school performance of children with ADHD.
Another recent study,published in the March 2009 edition of the Journal of Nutrition, concluded that “There is an apparent need to create greater awareness of the importance of the long-chain (LC) omega-3 polyunsaturated fatty acids (PUFA) among both health professionals and the general public as well as the existing gap between actual and recommended intakes from various sources. This gap can be readily filled with an increased consumption of fish/seafood containing DHA/EPA, the increased availability of foods that have been nutritionally enriched with various delivery forms of LC PUFA (DHA/EPA), and the use of supplementation where necessary.” (Source: Journal of Nutrition,March 2009, Volume 139. Pp 528-532)
Not only do these studies show significant positive results, but there would appear to be no known negative side effects from taking Omega-3 supplements, which is very reassuring news for parents and children alike. Before allowing so called ‘medical experts’ to place children on mind altering pharmaceuticals to treat the symptoms, we really need to look deeper and address the actual cause of the lack of control, not the mere symptoms.
Here’s to you and your health!