EPA and learning difficulties

Citation

(2008), "EPA and learning difficulties", Nutrition & Food Science, Vol. 38 No. 6. https://doi.org/10.1108/nfs.2008.01738fab.013

EPA and learning difficulties

Article Type: Food facts June 2008 From: Nutrition & Food Science, Volume 38, Issue 6.

Dr Alex Richardson, senior research fellow at Mansfield College, University of Oxford, and University Laboratory of Physiology, University of Oxford, is a world-leading authority on fatty acids and ADHD, dyslexia and autistic spectrum disorder, published a paper in 2003 entitled Fatty Acids in Dyslexia, Dyspraxia, ADHD, and the Autistic Spectrum.

“Scientific evidence suggests that imbalances or deficiencies of certain highly unsaturated fatty acids (HUFA) may contribute to a range of behavioural and learning difficulties including ADHD, dyslexia, dyspraxia, and autistic spectrum disorders”, says Dr Richardson in his report. This could help to explain the strong familial associations between these conditions and their common overlap within the same individuals.

“Research indicates that omega-3 fatty acids are more likely to help than omega-6 (although both are important for optimal brain function). Of the omega-3 fatty acids, the latest evidence indicates that it is EPA not DHA that is likely to be most beneficial for these purposes”.

Omega-3 and omega-6 fatty acids are crucial for maintaining the correct structure of every cell membrane in the body, and are crucial for efficient cell messaging in the brain. Without enough fatty acids, communication between our cells ceases to operate properly; in the case of the dopamine pathway (the neurotransmitter implicated in ADHD, and the basis for which Ritalin has been formulated) this could affect functions such as attention and concentration both fundamental factors in ADHD. By restoring the levels of fatty acids in the brain, cells are able to communicate properly, and neurotransmitters resume healthy levels.

There is substantial supporting evidence that suggests deficiencies of certain HUFA are associated with childhood ADHD. Several findings indicate that physical symptoms (including excessive thirst, frequent urination, rough, dry or scaly skin, dry hair, dandruff and soft or brittle nails), behavioural problems (including conduct disorder, hyperactivity-impulsivity, anxiety, temper tantrums and sleep problems) and learning disorders are linked with low fatty acid levels.

Omega-3 fatty acids are very safe and have many other health benefits, including improving the cardiovascular system, stabilising mood and nourishing the joints. There is good evidence to suggest that omega-3 fatty acids should be seen as complementary to other methods of management for conditions such as ADHD.

VegEPA (www.vegepa.com) is a patented and highly concentrated formulation of ultra-pure EPA (eicosapentaenoic acid) from marine fish oil and GLA (gamma-linoleic acid) from organic virgin evening primrose oil, providing a highly concentrated source of omega-3 and omega-6 long-chain fatty acids and botanical triterpenes. This unique combination of natural fatty acids provides cell membranes with the nutrients required for efficient chemical signalling, which is integral to healthy brain function.

Parents of children expelled from school because of behaviour problems may be motivated to take legal action following a ruling at a recent landmark case at London's Court of Appeal. The case involved a teenager suffering from ADHD and attention deficit hyperactivity disorder; who had been suspended from school three times, then finally expelled in 2006 at the age of 13.According to the girl's mother, who has been fighting her local east London council to clear her daughter's name, the teenager had been unfairly discriminated against. As a result of the case, the girl and her mother have been given permission to appeal against the school's verdict. Both parties are currently waiting for a date for the full appeal hearing.

ADHD is thought to affect around 500,000 children in this country, some of whom are also thought to have been excluded and expelled from school because of bad behaviour. The disorder affects children's ability to concentrate, making them fidgety and disruptive in class. If a child receives an official diagnosis of ADHD, a common course of action is to prescribe drugs such as Ritalin, which is based on the amphetamine-like methylphenidate that works by dampening part of the limbic system (the part of the brain that causes hyperactivity). However, there is also a rapidly growing body of evidence that suggests diet plays a significant part in ADHD. Much research focuses on the use of essential fatty acids, such as omega-3 fish oils, and how they can help improve children's concentration and behaviour. Many scientists now accept that behavioural problems such as ADHD are linked to a deficiency of omega-3 fatty acids.

Dr Alex Richardson, senior research fellow at Mansfield College, University of Oxford, and University Laboratory of Physiology, University of Oxford, is a world-leading authority on fatty acids and ADHD, dyslexia and autistic spectrum disorder, published a paper in 2003 entitled Fatty Acids in Dyslexia, Dyspraxia, ADHD, and the Autistic Spectrum.

Scientific evidence suggests that imbalances or deficiencies of certain HUFA may contribute to a range of behavioural and learning difficulties including ADHD, dyslexia, dyspraxia, and autistic spectrum disorders, says Dr Richardson in his report. This could help to explain the strong familial associations between these conditions and their common overlap within the same individuals. Research indicates that omega-3 fatty acids are more likely to help than omega-6 (although both are important for optimal brain function). Of the omega-3 fatty acids, the latest evidence indicates that it is EPA not DHA that is likely to be most beneficial for these purposes.

Omega-3 and omega-6 fatty acids are crucial for maintaining the correct structure of every cell membrane in the body, and are crucial for efficient cell messaging in the brain. Without enough fatty acids, communication between our cells ceases to operate properly; in the case of the dopamine pathway (the neurotransmitter implicated in ADHD, and the basis for which Ritalin has been formulated) this could affect functions such as attention and concentration both fundamental factors in ADHD. By restoring the levels of fatty acids in the brain, cells are able to communicate properly, and neurotransmitters resume healthy levels.

There is substantial supporting evidence that suggests deficiencies of certain HUFA are associated with childhood ADHD. Several findings indicate that physical symptoms (including excessive thirst, frequent urination, rough, dry or scaly skin, dry hair, dandruff and soft or brittle nails), behavioural problems (including conduct disorder, hyperactivity-impulsivity, anxiety, temper tantrums and sleep problems) and learning disorders are linked with low fatty acid levels.

Omega-3 fatty acids are very safe and have many other health benefits, including improving the cardiovascular system, stabilising mood and nourishing the joints. There is good evidence to suggest that omega-3 fatty acids should be seen as complementary to other methods of management for conditions such as ADHD.