Education
Making the Grade … A Look at Omega-3 Fatty Acids in Cognition and Learning
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Aug 24, 2008 - 7:11:20 AM

(HealthNewsDigest.com) - Did you ever stop to think, “what gives some children the edge over others?” How is it that some children pick up reading and reading comprehension instantly, while some children struggle with it well into middle school? Sure, genetics plays a role, and studies clearly reveal that socioeconomic factors contribute as well, but take a classroom full of children with the same demographics and it is clear that a handful of the children will rise to the top.

So what can we do as parents to help give our child an upper hand in learning? As a parent myself, I think it is easy to admit that we constantly ask ourselves these questions. It was once believed that the brain was fully developed at birth, but we have since learned that the brain of a newborn child begins to develop in the last trimester of pregnancy and continues to develop rapidly until seven years of age.

A recent study suggests that development in the frontal lobe of the brain continues throughout adolescence and well into the early twenties. This frontal lobe is associated with impulse control, setting priorities, planning and organization skills, decision-making, empathy and insight. Adolescent brains are still developing and are not yet equipped to think through issues the same way adults do, nor do they have the ability to focus as clearly.

So what does this all mean and is it possible to affect brain growth and development? The good news is that there is promising clinical research that demonstrates that consumption of omega-3 fatty acids, or fish oil supplementation, begun during pregnancy and continued throughout childhood and adolescence will promote optimal brain development. Studies have demonstrated a positive effect in cognition, memory, language development, and improvement in behavior disorders. South African researchers tracked the development of 355 children aged 6 through 9 on fish oil supplements. Results showed not only improved verbal learning and spelling ability but also subjects retained information better and were less inclined to take sick days.

The human adult brain is 60% fat and depending on what type of fat you eat during your developmental years will determine the quality of fat in your brain and in turn how effectively your brain will work for you. 20% of the fat in your brain should be composed of the healthy fat DHA, which is found primarily in fish and fish oil. Omega-3s are not produced by the body, therefore it is essential that we get them through our diet.

A study from the University of South Australia studied 145 children aged 7 to 12 with ADHD not on medication over 15 weeks. Results showed that the children on fish oil capsules were calmer, less impulsive, and showed improvements in attention, behavior and vocabulary. Similarly, in a United Kingdom study, 184 teenagers aged 15-16 at a school for the behaviorally challenged were given fish oil supplements for 12 weeks prior to taking the usual standardized test for this age group. On average, they exceeded the results predicted for them by one grade with girls showing the biggest improvement.

Simply put, omega-3 fatty acids found in fish and fish oil are brain food and during childhood and well into the teen years, there is a high demand for this essential fatty acid. If your child is not eating fish on a regular basis, consider supplementing with a high quality fish oil supplement at a dose of about 1 gram a day, at breakfast time. By dosing it in the morning, this essential nutrient will provide a form of energy that will help to stabilize mood and focusing ability through the morning hours until lunch.

In addition to fish oil supplements, omega-3 fatty acids can be found in free-range eggs, certain yogurts and of course fresh fish! A 3-4 ounce serving of wild salmon contains 1.5 grams of EPA and DHA, which are the most critical components of omega-3s. Avoid farm-raised fish such as Atlantic salmon and high mercury containing fish such as swordfish.

BIO
Keri Marshall MS, ND
Dr. Keri Marshall is a licensed Naturopathic Doctor who specializes in holistic pediatrics and women's medicine. She has published several scientific papers, magazine articles, has written a book on proteins and amino acids, appears regularly on nationally syndicated radio shows, and most recently appeared on ABC’s “A View from the Bay.” She is a writer and blogger for KIWI Magazine, a natural family living magazine. Devoted to children’s health and wellness, Dr. Marshall also serves as a nutrition expert on the Wellness Committee in the Oyster River School District, helping to change the school lunch program by integrating healthier options. Dr. Marshall received her Naturopathic Medical degree from the National College of Naturopathic Medicine in Portland, Oregon, a Masters Degree in Social and Preventive Medicine from S.U.N.Y. at Buffalo and a Bachelors of Science from the George Washington University. Dr. Marshall serves as an Advisory Board Member to Nordic Naturals.

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