Friday, April 16, 2010
Omega 3 and kid’s brains
A study out just this week in the American Journal of Clinical Nutrition (doi:10.3945/ajcn.2009.28549) found that supplementing healthy boys with DHA (one of the main omega 3s and the main one in the brain) led to an increase in the dorsolateral prefrontal cortex part of the brain (the front part) - an area of the brain associated with working memory. Changes, measure by functional magnetic resonance imaging also occurred in other parts of the brain, including the occipital cortex (visual processing) and the cerebellar cortex (motor control). This builds on a huge amount of evidence on the benefits of DHA for healthy and not so healthy brain function in kids. Note the study above. There are literally hundreds of studies telling us it will help us and our kids. So why aren’t we all supplementing with fish oils? It should be a government education program and mandate. The evidence is overwhelming.
Subscribe to:
Post Comments (Atom)
this is a great blog, I've just found it! I've tried giving my kids fish oil in various forms but my problem is actually getting them to have it! I've tried hiding it in juices, yogurt, vegies, etc but they taste it and gag every time. On the vary rare occasions I have managed to get them to have it I've noticed a massive difference in their concentration levels, focus and general behaviour but I just keep running into the same problem of getting it down their throats! I'd love to hear any suggestions you might have. Thanks
ReplyDeleteI agree! I have found one supplement my son will happily take "Nature's Way Kid Smart" - it comes in various flavours but the only ingredients I can see are
ReplyDeleteFish oil natural 500mg
Providing beneficial Omega-3 Marine Triglycerides 180mg as:
Eicosapentaenoic Acid (EPA) 28mg
Docosahexaenoic Acid (DHA) 133mg
Flavoured with Strawberry flavouring
It does say on the pack that there are no artificial flavours or colours, but I have tasted it and it is very sweet so I am assuming massive loads of sugar. And I am then left in the dilemma that parents face...Is it better to let the tiny amount of sugar go "unpoliced" in the interests of better health from one perspective, or am I just reinforcing that "sweet is good" syndrome?
So it would be good if you could give us some tips, Thanks!
Rebecca Mead - Peter's PA here, Peter is over east so I though I would answer for you.
ReplyDeleteYou are 100% correct is it difficult to decide the sugar vs benifit ratio. Keep in mind it is the way they word things. "Flavouring" is a chemical compound. It doesn't have to *be* strawberry it just has to have the same flavour. If they say Oil or Essence you are a bit safer. The laws that apply to this wording state they must contain or be derived from the 100% natural source.
On I have used in clinic well is Nordic Naturals Children's DHA in strawberry. It is a little more expensive but is it strawberry essence.
Strawberry Essence is a clear, colorless, water-like liquid generated from fresh or frozen Strawberries during the production of Strawberry Concentrate.
Strawberry Essence gives the characteristic flavor and odor of strawberries.
This product is 100% natural and contains no other ingredients or fillers.
Hope this helps. I am sure there are many other brands out there and I may have to research and compile a list one day.
Yours in Good Health
Rebecca Mead
Dingle Presentations
Naturopath
This comment has been removed by a blog administrator.
ReplyDeleteHi There, I am also an eager Mum to get fish oils into my 3 children, 2, 5,&6 and our Dr recommended Nordic Naturals with a lemon flavour. I put it in a syringe and they take it as they would panadol. While they are there I also give probiotics and also a compound mineral supplement. YOu must think I am weird, but after having the kids hair analysised for mineral deficencies, I was amazed! Not to mention the results after taking the compound for a year. Eczema gone, behaviour differences and even learning issues clearing. Please remember we are here to love our chidlren and give them the best so lets do it!!
ReplyDeleteOn another note ;-Keep up the great work Peter!! I have now heard you speak around 10 times, never fails to amaze me that I learn more and more!! I am forever sending links to your websites to my customers. Martine is a great support and inspiration too, no wonder you have come together. Ride the waves together.... the sun will shine!!