Omega-3 and 6 Fatty Acids and Hyperactivity
Previously, I’ve written entries showing how fish and fish-derived fatty acids may lower the risk of contracting a variety of cancers (prostate, renal and breast cancers, to name a few). Fish is also one of the best sources of DHA, which is good for the brain.
Here’s another feat for fatty fish: A recent report suggest that omega-3 and 6 fatty acids may help in easing behavioral problems associated with ADHD (Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder).
A 4-month study of 17 year olds whose diets were supplemented with Efalex has been conducted. These boys were enrolled in a a “therapeutic community and residential school for boys suffering severe behavioural, emotional and social problems who were previously considered unteachable”. After 4 months, there was a marked beahavioral improvements: “better socialised, co-operative and took part in carpentry, art, or learnt basic office skills.”
Seventy-three per cent of the pupils showed a reduction in hyperactivity, 64 per cent an improvement in attention span and 69 per cent an improvement in general conduct. After taking omega-3 fatty acids supplements, 75 per cent of the children were no longer classified as being oppositionally defiant, in other words bloody-minded.
I wouldn’t describe my 4-year old preschooler as bloody-minded, but sometimes I wish he’d be a little less energetic, a little less hyperactive.
What is Efalex(Efamol)? According to the Efalex website:
Efalex is a unique formulation that contains carefully selected fish oil rich in DHA and Efamol Pure Evening Primrose Oil, which are excellent sources of omega-3 and omega-6 nutrients.
In the website, I didn’t see anything explicitly claiming that this dietary supplement can help with ADHD symptoms, though. Possibly has something to do with the complaint filed a few years ago as there seems to have been no definitive study linking Efalex and ADHD. In fact, a small study conducted in 1987 said Efamol supplementation, produces minimal or no improvements in hyperactive children.
Maybe I should just be serving fish more often.
I thought “bloody minded” was an interesting choice of words too. But Dr. Stuttaford is pretty cantankerous.
ha ha!!! i think children needs more time to warm up with eating fish. i wish my toddler is a little less hyperactive too. but the moment we ut fish on the table, he pinches his nose like a little snob because he hates the smell of fish.
but yeah, we should all go for fish, it’s healthier.
Omega-3 is the HOTTEST nutritional supplement in the world – because it works and the verdict on Omega-3 is now clearer than ever, it is the fatty acid that it is essential for keeping cells healthy.
It is essential and beneficial in both human and animal diets. Essential to the Human Body, necessary for both mental and physical health and is the primary component of healthy brain cells The brain is made of fat, especially the omega-3 fatty acid DHA, so obtaining sufficient omega-3 is crucial for cognitive functioning and mood.
In fact, omega-3 is used to treat people with elevated TG and who suffer from pancreatic disease that does not respond to drugs.
The fish oil is believed to reduce the stiffness and pain in the joints of rheumatoid arthritis sufferers. Also important for heart health. Omega-3 fatty acids are used in the body to make, repair, and maintain cell membranes. Omitting omega-3 is considered malpractice.
This essential fatty acid can only be acquired through nutritional intake, as our bodies do not produce it. Doctor’s minimal daily recommendation for Omega-3 is 1000 mg per day. The most effective omega-3 is from fatty fish from cold water.