Dyslexia and Fish Oil Supplements
Dyslexia and fish oil supplements have something in common.
While dyslexia is often considered to be a learning disability, many view it as a nutritional disorder. And although adding fish oil to a regular diet may not be called a “cure’ for it, it surely will make a big difference.
Dyslexia and fish oil supplements are effectively managed during pregnancy and while nursing. In order to prevent this from happening, ensure that a baby gets adequate levels of omega 3 fatty acids from the mother.
Many studies have indicated that fish oil is an important factor in the development of a child’s brain.
Generally, children born to mothers who consume lots of oily fish and take fish oil supplements are less likely to suffer from ADD, ADHD, dyslexia, dyspraxia and many more developmental difficulties.
That is wonderful news for those who are planning to have more kids. However, what if you already have a kid who has dyslexia?
Well, there’s positive news for you as well. Research on omega 3 fish fatty acids shows great promise for children with dyslexia- as well as for adults.
It looks like almost every study made on dyslexia starts by stating this widely-accepted fact ? that developmental dyslexia is associated with the lack of highly unsaturated fatty acids, which are the very same fatty acids noted in fish. This surely tells something about the disease.
A study conducted at the Oxford University Laboratory of Physiology, and published in Prostaglandins Leukotrienes and Essential Fatty Acids, suggests that “children with high fatty acid deficiency ratings showed poorer reading and lower general ability” than kids who do not have the deficiency.
In addition, these researchers went on to indicate that the results of their study “support the hypothesis that fatty acid deficiency may add to the severity of dyslexic problems.” [Vol. 63:69-74]
Okay, so specifically what’s there with fish oil supplements and dyslexia?
Here’s the positive news. Our comrades at the Laboratory of Physiology have concluded through their studies on dyslexia, that these can be corrected specifically through supplementing with omega 3 fatty acids from fish.
These findings are fully supported by other studies too. S.M. Baker for instance, noted in the Journal of Learning Disabilities that kids with dyslexia have shown remarkable improvement with schoolwork after treatment with fatty acids.
And by B.J. Stordy, who wrote in Lancet, that there was a normalization of visual deficits found in dyslexic adults after taking omega 3 fatty acid supplements. [Vol. 346:385]
What makes this particularly of importance is that visual deficits are noted to be a major component of dyslexia.
I’m sold with this idea! But it’s a bit funny noting why scientists always insist that they need more research on this matter. I think they fear losing their research grants if ever they come up with THE answer. So, they always leave an option open for more funding.
However, if you have a family member who has to deal with dyslexia, wait no further. Begin by increasing your kid’s intake of omega 3 fish oil.
And based on research done, I’d say that someone suffering from dyslexia needs to make sure that they get 1 to 4 grams daily.
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