ADHD, Dyslexia, Dyspraxia & Behavioural Disorders

Dyslexia, Dyspraxia and ADHD - Can Nutrition Help?

On the 17th of June 2003, Senior Research Fellow in Neuroscience, Mansfield College and University Laboratory of Physiology, Oxford, Dr Alexandra J. Richardson spoke on the subject "Dyslexia, Dyspraxia and ADHD" Can Nutrition Help? The lecture, which was arranged in conjunction with the Dyslexia Research Trust and was open to everyone.

The lecture focused on the results of her latest research trials which indicate that dyslexia and similar childhood conditions such as dyspraxia and ADHD (attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder) that affect learning and behaviour may be improved by the addition of highly unsaturated fatty acids (HUFA) and in particular the essential fatty acid Omega-3 to the diet.

Fatty acids play a major role in the structure and function of the brain. They are crucial for normal brain function and play a critical role in a wide range of brain and body functions. However, truly essential fatty acids (EFA) which include Omega-3 cannot be synthesised by the body and must be provided through the diet. The other highly unsaturated fatty acids (HUFA) that the brain needs can usually be synthesised from EFAs, but factors such as lifestyle, disease, restrictive diets and over-processed foods, smoking and drinking coffee and alcohol mean that most people, both children and adults are lacking in these important nutrients.

Potential indicators of a lack of theses important nutrients include:

• Physical signs of fatty acid deficiency (excessive thirst, frequent urination, rough or dry skin and hair, dandruff, and soft or brittle nails)
• Allergic tendencies (especially eczema)
• Visual symptoms (such as poor night vision or sensitivity to bright light, and visual disturbances when reading - e.g. letters and words move, swim or blur on the page)
• Attention problems (distractibility, poor concentration and working memory)
• Emotional sensitivity (especially excessive mood swings or undue anxiety)
• Sleep problems (especially difficulties in settling at night and waking in the morning)

Dr Alex Richardson set up double-blind treatment trials to assess whether treatment with fatty acids could be of benefit to dyslexics. These trials are now approaching completion and preliminary results show that children with dyslexia and associated symptoms of ADHD showed significant improvement when their diet was supplemented with essential fatty acids.

Dr Richardson says:

"Omega-3 fatty acids play a crucial role in eye and brain function, yet these are the ones most likely to be lacking from modern diets...The only way to get the complex omega-3 fatty acids (EPA and DHA) directly from the diet is by consuming large amounts of oily fish and seafood on a regular basis. This is often impractical, so fish or marine oil supplements are sometimes the only realistic option."

"Fish oil contains two major omega-3 fatty acids: EPA and DHA. Both are necessary, but until recently, it wasn't at all clear which of these was more important in producing the benefits reported for ADHD and related conditions. In early life, plenty of DHA is needed for the growing brain and because this fatty acid is so important for actual brain structure, it was thought that this must be reason for the apparent benefits from fish oil. However, the latest research makes clear that it is EPA, not DHA, which is more effective in reducing the problems with attention, perception and memory that are associated with ADHD, dyslexia and dyspraxia. This is probably because EPA plays a more important role in the minute-by-minute functioning of the brain, and also helps to make many other substances (such as prostaglandins) that are crucial for proper signaling between cells. "

"A final point concerns the quality of oils used. The popularity of both evening primrose and fish oils has led to a huge number of different supplements becoming available. Unfortunately, not all of these are of good quality, and in some cases, they may not only be ineffective, but could even contain harmful residues (either from environmental pollution or from the methods of extraction and processing used). Any reputable supplier should be able to provide information on both the source of their oils and their manufacturing methods, but at the very least, it should not be assumed that the cheapest supplements are the best value."

Source: Healthy & Essential June, 2003.

Note

Highly unsaturated fatty acids are safe even in extremely large doses and their regular consumption carries a wide range of positive health benefits. If choosing to use larger doses of oils it is very important to make the right choice by using a pure pharmaceutical grade of omega 3 oil which is free from additives such as artificial sweeteners. 1st Vitality provides a range of only the best quality products to choose from. Please call us for more information.