| Will Omega 3 fish oil really boost my child's brain | | | | heart disease and research into the reason indicates |
| power? That is the question being asked by many | | | | the beneficial effect of fish oil on cardiovascular |
| parents who have been hearing the claims made by | | | | disease. With an increasing number of children |
| manufacturers. It does seem to be true that many | | | | suffering from obesity parents should be considering |
| children do benefit educationally from taking a daily | | | | ways to reduce the risk of future heart problems and |
| supplement of fish oil, particularly if they are not | | | | diabetes. A healthy diet is essential and this should |
| already eating several portions of oily fish each week. | | | | include omega 3. It now appears that a number of |
| Research has shown that children of all abilities benefit, | | | | other illnesses can benefit from taking omega 3 fatty |
| not just those who are below average and have | | | | acids. For example depression, schizophrenia, bipolar |
| difficulty with concentration. | | | | disorder, ADHD and ADD. |
| The research was carried out with two groups of | | | | For parents with children suffering from ADHD or |
| children aged 6-12 and 8-9 years old. Both groups | | | | ADD, who may be concerned about giving medication |
| were given a combination of omega 3 and omega 6. | | | | such as Ritalin to young children, discovering that using |
| After 3 months the underperforming children in the first | | | | a natural remedy like omega 3 can be beneficial in |
| group of 6-12 years old showed significant | | | | treating the problem will be a relief, although no one |
| improvement in behaviour and short-term memory and | | | | should change treatment without consulting their |
| after six months there were some significant | | | | physician. |
| improvements in reading skills. The second group | | | | There is evidence to suggest that many children are |
| already had a reading level 9 months above average, | | | | suffering from depression or anxiety. A number of |
| this increased to 18 months over a three period. | | | | reasons for the cause have been put forward. |
| A lot of people become confused when they try to | | | | Parental pressure, expectations by parents and |
| sort out the difference, if any, between fish oil, omega | | | | schools to achieve high exam results or bullying at |
| 3, DHA, EPA and omega 6. At the moment fish oil is | | | | school may all contribute. It is difficult to judge whether |
| the best source of omega 3. Omega 3 is an group of | | | | depression is on the increase, or whether we are |
| polyunsaturated fatty acids. Two of these acids, | | | | more aware than a generation ago. Nevertheless if |
| docosahexaenoic acid, DHA for short, and | | | | omega 3 can help to improve brain function and ease |
| eicosapentaenoic acid, or EPA, are known as long | | | | or prevent the symptoms of depression naturally, |
| chain acids and are essential for health. Omega 6 is a | | | | parents should include it in their children's diet. However |
| short chain fatty acid. It is generally accepted that a | | | | if you are concerned that your child may be suffering |
| western diet provides sufficient omega 6 as it is found | | | | with depression you should also talk to your physician. |
| in processed cooking oils. In fact we may be | | | | If your child does not like eating oily fish and you decide |
| consuming too much as the balance between omega | | | | to buy a supplement, the recommended daily dosage |
| 3 and omega 6 is thought to be important in maintaining | | | | is 400-500mg. Fruit flavoured capsules, to make them |
| optimum health. | | | | more palatable to children, are available. |
| The benefits of fish oil have been recognised for | | | | There is ongoing research into developing genetically |
| generations. Children in the 40's and 50's were given | | | | modified plants that will produce omega 3. With fish |
| cod liver oil and malt. Unfortunately many found the | | | | stocks declining, this may be the main source in the |
| taste almost unbearable and now most people prefer | | | | future. |
| to take it in capsule form. Many adults, suffering from | | | | Never give supplements without consulting your |
| aching joints, find that cod liver oil helps to ease the | | | | physician. |
| pain and continue taking it as a preventative measure | | | | This article is for information only and the author |
| when they improve. | | | | accepts no liability for any action taken. |
| The Inuit population of Greenland has a low level of | | | | |