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by: Dr.NoelSwanson
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Remember the old wives tale that says fish is good for your brain and cod liver oil will help keep you healthy? Apparently, the old wives knew what they were talking about!

Most of us are trying to cut down our fat intake in our diet. However, recent research shows that not all fats are harmful. In fact, a lot of us have deficiencies in some very important fats called the essential fatty acids. These oils are essential to the development of the immune system, and brain functions. A shortage of these oils can lead to problems with concentration, hyperactivity, dyslexia, and coordination problems. Dramatic improvements in performance can result merely by correcting this deficiency, particluarly in children.

EFA deficiencies, which are very common, can also cause problems such as eczema, dry skin, dandruff and excessive thirst.

There are two main types of EFA's : the Omega 6 series, which is found in evening primrose and starflower oils, and the Omega 3 series which is found mostly in oily fish (sardines, herring, trout), and also in some nuts. The omega 6 series is involved in the immune system. Many women have found that supplements of evening primrose oil can help with pre-menstrual symptoms.

Most modern diets are seriously lacking in the omega 3 series. Within this series are two oils that are especially important. DHA, the building block of the brain, makes up as much as 20% of the brain's dry weight. Clearly, unborn and young children should get enough of DHA - but it is rarely included in infant feeding formulas.

EPA, the other essential fatty acid, is crucial for brain functioning. Vitamins B6, C, and zinc must be present to make full use of it -- our diet is desperately short of these essential nutrients, and some of the processed foods we eat, such as margarine, interferes with their use!

You may consider increasing amount of omega 3 oils in the diet of children, especially if they show symptoms of EFA deficiency or are struggling at school. The best way to do this add more fish to their diet. Unfortunately, it seems that fish stocks are suffering at the hands of pollution, so this may be rather risky. Perhaps a better option is to intorduce a high quality supplement. These supplements are not excessively expensive, and are available in all good chemists and health food shops.

So what do you look for?

The ideal daily amount of EPA is to 1 g. Usually 1 to 3g of fish oil will provide this amount. Don't use fish liver oils, such as cod, as they contain too much vitamin A.

At the same time use a multi-purpose vitamin and mineral supplement. Look especially for brands containing vitamin B6 (30 mg/day) and zinc (15 mg/day) with the oil. An example of fish oil is Cardioace.

Buy capsules rather than bottles of oil as they stay fresh longer. Be sure to look for vitamin E as a preservative.

Use a reliable high quality brand, with fish caught in the deep oceans (not farmed).

Take them daily for 3 months. If after that there is no noticeable improvement, then you can stop the experiment. Very occasionally the oils might give some problems with loose bowels but otherwise are quite safe. Obviously if your child has any specific medical conditions, especially problems with metabolism, you would be wise to consult your doctor first.

About the Author

Dr. Noel Swanson specializes in helping parents with their children's behaviors. To read more of his expert parenting advice go to his website and check out his hugely popular GOOD CHILD Guide manual, jammed full of extremely helpful parenting advice.

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