Omega 3 Strongly Linked to Behavior, Learning in Children
Reviewed by John M. Grohol, Psy.D. on September 14, 2013 Researchers found that a child’s blood levels of long-chain Omega-3 DHA can significantly predict how well they are able to concentrate and learn. The study, published in the journal PLOS One, is one of the first to evaluate blood Omega-3 levels in UK schoolchildren.
“From a sample of nearly 500 schoolchildren, we find that levels of Omega-3 fatty acids in the blood significantly predict a child’s behavior and ability to learn.” – Paul Montgomery, Ph.D.
“Higher levels of Omega-3 in the blood, and DHA in particular, connect to better reading and memory. Also, fewer behavior problems as rated by parents and teachers,” he says.
For the study, we have blood samples from 493 schoolchildren, between the ages of seven and nine. All of the children have below-average reading skills, based on national assessments. This is based on their teachers’ current judgments. Analyses of their blood samples reveal that just under two per cent of the children’s total blood fatty acids are Omega-3 DHA (Docosahexaenoic acid). 0.5 percent are Omega-3 EPA (Eicosapentaenoic acid), with a total of 2.45 percent for these long-chain Omega-3 together. This is below the minimum of 4 percent, with 8-12 percent as optimal, the researchers report.
Parents also report their child’s diet; nine out of ten children in the sample ate fish less than twice a week, and nearly one in ten never ate fish at all.
“’The long term health implications of such low blood these levels in children obviously can’t be certain,” – Dr Alex Richardson.
“But this study suggests that many probably aren’t getting enough of the long-chain Omegas we all need for a healthy brain, heart and immune system.”
“That gives serious cause for concern because we find that lower blood DHA connects with poor behavior and learning in children. Most of the children have blood levels of long-chain Omega-3 that in adults would indicate a high risk of heart disease.
This is consistent with their parents’ reports that they did not meet current dietary guidelines for fish and seafood intake. Similarly, few took supplements or foods with these,” he says.
The findings build on previous studies by the same researchers. Studies show that dietary supplementation with DHA improve both reading progress and behavior in children. This is from the general school population who are struggling with reading.
Their earlier research shows benefits of supplementation with long-chain (EPA+DHA) for children with ADHD, Dyspraxia, Dyslexia, and related conditions.
Reviewed by John M. Grohol, Psy.D. on September 14, 2013