Essential fatty acids are vital for proper brain functioning as well as overall good health and studies have shown that children suffering from attention deficit are more likely to have lower omega 3 fatty acid levels.
Essential fatty acid deficiency has been shown to lower the levels of brain chemicals responsible for attention and motivation. Essential fatty acids are responsible for communication within the brain and a lack of essential fatty acids causes malfunctioning in the dopamine and serotonin receptors involved in brain communication which have been linked to attention deficit.
Another study of boys suffering from attention deficit hyperactivity disorder showed that these boys were more likely to have lower levels of polyunsaturated fatty acids and omega 3 fatty acids and experienced more of the symptoms of essential fatty acid deficiency. This also tends to show the link between essential fatty acids and attention deficit.
In Michael Schmidt's book "Smart Fats" he mentions the case of Jamie, "Jamie was a ten year old boy who seemed to struggle with behavioral problems almost from the beginning. He was inattentive, aggressive, and had difficulty with co-ordination. Sports were hard for him and learning was no better", he says that all these symptoms were signs of fatty acid imbalance, "Jamie began taking a balanced fatty acid supplement that contained DHA, GLA and ALA from DHA oil, primrose oil, and flax seed oil respectively. It took roughly six months, but Jamie became a 'different child' according to his mother. His balance and motor problems improved along with his behavioral problems."
Studies done to examine using essential fatty acids in the treatment of attention deficit however have produced mixed results. Although varying results have been found there is no harm in supplementing your child's diet with foods rich in essential fatty acids if they do suffer from attention deficit. Essential fatty acids can be beneficial to a number of other disorders as well and improving attention deficit may just be one of the benefits your child receives from supplementing their diet with omega 3 fatty acids.
Although mixed results have been found when treating attention deficit disorder with essential fatty acids these essential fatty acids are vital to correct brain functioning and tests done do seem to point to the fact that those suffering from attention deficit have lower levels of omega 3 fatty acids and more chances of being deficient in essential fatty acids.
Glossary:
Essential fatty acids - fatty acids that are vital for physical and mental well being but which the body is not able to produce itself
Omega 3 fatty acids - group of fatty acids including ALA, GLA and DHA
Dopamine - a chemical in the brain which helps regulate movement and emotion
Serotonin -Chemical in the brain involved in sleep, depression, and memory