Omega-3 and Children’s Learning Disabilities: Much to Learn
Omega-3 rich fish oils are creeping onto the radar of pediatricians looking for ways to help children who suffer from learning and developmental challenges.
Fish oils may be proving effective. The problem: a lack of solid research. The promise: that kids suffering from disorders such as autism and attention deficit hyperactivity disorder may benefit from Omega-3.
Why the interest? Researchers have found that a key ingredient in Omega-3 fatty acids, the so-called long chain DHA, may have something to do with the development of an child’s brain and nervous system. Exactly what that something is, and what kind of a fish oil dosage is best prescribed, remains elusive data.
There have been some limited clinical trials which shed a positive but preliminary light on the subject.
“Grandma was right: cod liver oil is good for you,” says Dr. Edward Hallowell, with the Sudbury, Massachusetts based Hallowell Center for Cognitive and Emotional Health.
But he cautions us that “It takes more than fish oil to cure A.D.H.D.” When severe disorders need treatment, more advanced medications are typically called for. A concern physicians share is that well-intentioned parents will try Omega-3 supplements and fish oils for too long a period of time before seeking more appropriate medications.
Tags: ADHD, learning disability, supplements
December 23rd, 2008 at 8:37 pm
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