The Effects of Omega-3 Fatty Acids to Learning Ability And Behavior of Kids

It has been suggested that proper nutrition helps in brain development. Countless research and studies have been made about the effects of food in the evolution of the human brain. Experts have stated that when pre-historic humans learned to eat  different types of food that contains protein, carbohydrates, vitamins, minerals and essential fats helped in the development to of the brain. They stated that food helped pre-historic humans in enhancing their intelligence, learning ability and memory. From learning how to hunt, discovering fire, inventing tools, developing speech, learning how to write, building civilizations and conquering nature, food is the primary drive that made the brain what it is today. Scientist specifically stated that human near water sources bear a more developed brain than humans living inland. They have suggested that the omega-3 in fish helped in their brain development.

What Is Omega-3 fatty Acids?

Omega-3 fatty acids are essential fats that the human body needs for it to work normally and function properly. Omega-3 refers to the three essential fats called:

• ALA (alaphalinolenic acid)
• EPA (eicosapentaenic acid)
• DHA docosahexaenoic acid)

These essential fats are important to a normal metabolism although some experts are still skeptical of its advantages. They are called essential fats because the human body cannot manufacture  or cannot be synthesized by the human body. Common sources of animal  omega-3 EPA and DHA are cold water fish like salmon, squid, tuna, krill oil, eggs, and algal oil. Plant sources of omega-3 includes berries, flax seeds, olive oil, nuts, green vegetables and hemp oil.

Omega-3, Cognition And Behavior In Children

Based on numerous and  recent studies, it  suggested that high levels of omega-3 are linked to cognition and behavior in children. One such study  was made by scientists and experts in Oxford University in the United Kingdom. The data was gathered from a sample group of 493 British children. Scientists gave 600mg of omega-3 supplements to 362 children from the same group aged between 7 to 9 daily for 16 weeks. Although they stated that there was no significant effect on the overall group sample, they have found that children belonging to the lowest 5^th of the normal range showed improvement in reading age of 3 weeks as compared to a group taking placebo. Another group of children belonging to the lowest 10% has improved their reading ability by 1.9 months.

Professor Paul Montgomery of the Psychological Intervention At The Center  for Evidence-Based Intervention at Oxford University stated that previous researches showed the benefits of supplementing diet with omega-3 in kids also helped in behavioral conditions such as ADHD, developmental coordination disorder and dyslexia. It has shown positive results in kids belonging to the general school population.

Experts have stated that omega-3 supplements can scientifically improve, concentration, memory, attention and behavior . Experts have also suggested that pregnant women taking adequate sources of omega-3 helps in fetus development and child growth. From the 25 weeks of conception up to the age of 2 years, the amount of DHA in an infant’s brain increases 30 times. Omega-3 helps in the development of the retina’s membrane of the fetus. Omega-3 is essential in the growing up years because it will enhance the perceptual, neural, cognitive a sensory system of the child.

If you’re investing in your kid’s future, give them a head start. Enhance their diet with omega-3 rich foods  and see their continued improvement. 

Author: Roselen is a blogger who loves to write tips for moms about their kids health. Specifically, she is into topics related to omega 3and the kids learning and behavior.

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