For over two hundred years fish has been known as a "brain food", the reason for this is because it contains a rich supply of omega 3 essential fatty acids which are essential for brain health and intelligence.
One of the omega 3 essential fatty acids that aids in intelligence is DHA which plays an important role in the formation of synaptic connections within the brain. These connections are responsible for sending messages around the brain and body and so if they are not working properly the brain will not be able to function optimally.
The brain is composed primarily of fat and a large portion of this fat is DHA and therefore DHA is essential to proper brain development and functioning. This is probably the main reason why it has been proved that children who are breastfed have higher intelligence then those who are not breastfed as breast milk contains higher concentrations of DHA then cows' milk or infant formula.
ALA or alpha linolenic acid is another essential fatty acid for intelligence as it promotes an improved mood, learning, IQ and calmness and enables one to handle stress better. DHA can actually be produced from ALA and so if you are getting enough ALA then DHA supplementation may not be necessary, however you also need to get enough ALA as well as DHA and EPA (another fatty acid that may be produced from ALA).
The lack of omega 3 essential fatty acids in the modern diet has also been linked to attention deficit disorders which are common learning problems in schools today. If children do not receive the correct balance of essential and non essential fatty acids in their diet they will find it difficult to concentrate and their learning, behavior and intelligence will be affected.
Andrew L Stoll MD says in his book "The Omega3 Connection", "The implications of omega-3 deficiency on the brain are profound and span the entire human life cycle. Beginning in pregnancy, premature birth and its potential neurologic complications may result from omega 3 deficiency. Babies who are bottle-fed or born from omega-3 deficient mothers will lack the omega-3 fatty acids necessary for optimal cognitive and visual development. Children deprived of omega 3s may have less ability to pay attention and control impulsive behavior and may be at a higher risk for depression. Teenagers and adults with omega 3 deficiency may be more prone to hostility or violence. In ageing, the loss of omega 3 fatty acids in the brain may result in a higher risk of stroke, memory problems, or dementia. Individuals of any age without adequate amounts of omega 3 fatty acids in the brain and body may also be at a higher risk for depression, bipolar disorder, and possibly other psychiatric disorders."
As we can see a correct balance between essential and non essential fatty acids is vital to correct brain functioning and the brain requires ALA, DHA and other omega 3 fatty acids to function optimally and for correct brain development in children.
Glossary:
Essential fatty acids: Fatty acids essential for physical and mental wellbeing which cannot be made by the body.
Omega 3 fatty acids: Group of fatty acids including the individual fatty acids ALA, GLA and DHA.
Synaptic connections: Connections between nerves
Bipolar disorder: Psychological disorder characterized by alternating periods of depression and mania.