Supporting Attention and Focus in Children
Researchers continue to study the role of polyunsaturated fatty acids (PUFAs) in children’s neurological health. Numerous studies have found that children with challenges related to attentiveness, focus, and behavior have lower levels of PUFAs than children without these cognitive challenges.1–3
The brain, which is composed largely of fat, governs every process involved in focus, behavior, and cognition, from responding to stimuli to anticipating the body’s needs. These complex processes are carried out via neuronal communication. PUFAs—particularly EPA, DHA, and GLA—help build the best environment to allow information to quickly travel across synapses while supporting the formation and fortification of neural connections. The ability to form and maintain new connections is directly related to learning and memory.
While research data on supplementation protocols varies, we’ve noticed that studies with positive outcomes tend to share the following similarities:
- Supplementing with DHA, EPA, and GLA versus DHA or GLA alone
- Minimum of 12 weeks supplementation
- At least 780 mg of combined DHA, EPA, and GLA4
While there are myriad factors that contribute to inattention, behavioral challenges, and learning difficulties, a healthy diet that includes PUFAs is one of the easiest lifestyle factors to modify.
Consuming healthy amounts of omega-3 with balanced amounts of omega-6 is essential for optimal neurological development—not only during childhood but throughout adulthood as well.
1. Arnold L.E., Kleykamp D., Votolato N.A., Taylor W.A., Kontras S.B., Tobin K. Gamma-linolenic acid for attention-deficit hyperactivity disorder: Placebo-controlled comparison to D-amphetamine. Biol. Psychiatry. 1989;25:222–228.
2. Burgess J.R., Stevens L.J., Zhang W., Peck L. Long-chain polyunsaturated fatty acids in children with attention-deficit hyperactivity disorder. Am. J. Clin. Nutr. 2000;71:327–330. [PubMed]
3. Chen J.-R., Hsu S.-F., Hsu C.-D., Hwang L.-H., Yang S.-C. Dietary patterns and blood fatty acid composition in children with attention-deficit hyperactivity disorder in Taiwan. J. Nutr. Biochem. 2004;15:467–472.
4. Adrian Raine, et al. Reduction in behavior problems with omega-3 supplementation in children aged 8–16 years: a randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled, stratified, parallel-group trial. J. Child Psychol Psychiatry. 2015 May. |
