EFAs and ADHD

Behavioural disorders, impulsivity and violent behaviour Attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) is characterised by inattentive, impulsive and hyperactive behaviour occurring in children but some aspects of the condition may persist into adulthood (Richardson and Puri 2000, Richardson and Ross 2000, Arnold 2001). ADHD is a significant and increasing problem. It is estimated that it affects about 2% of school-aged children in the UK and 4% of school-aged children in the USA (Richardson and Puri 2000) and the use of medication to treat ADHD has increased dramatically in the last 10 years. Results of one study suggest that fish consumption may be associated with violent and impulsive behaviour (Hibbeln 2001). This cross-national survey of seafood consumption in 26 countries found that those with higher rates of seafood consumption tended to have lower rates of mortality due to homicide. The authors point out, however, there were many potentially confounding factors in this study and the hypothesis that fish consumption may help to reduce impulsive and violent behaviour should be tested in double-blind, placebo-controlled trials. Boys aged 6-12 years with ADHD were found to have significantly lower plasma levels of AA, EPA and DHA compared to normal controls (Stevens, Zentall, Deck et al 1995). In a further study of boys of the same age, significantly greater scores indicating behaviour problems, temper tantrums and sleep problems were reported in subjects with lower plasma total n-3 fatty acid concentrations (Stevens, Zentall, Abate et al 1995). However, a double-blind placebo controlled trial of DHA supplementation (345 mg/day for 4 months) in children with ADHD found that DHA treatment did not decrease ADHD symptoms compared with placebo (Voigt, Llorente, Jensen et al 2001). The authors pointed out however, that lack of response to DHA supplementation did not necessarily mean that a low brain content of DHA is not involved in the aetiology of ADHD. It is possible that in the population studied, a benefit of DHA was not produced because other essential nutrients were also lacking. It was suggested in recent reviews that ADHD may be linked to some other behavioural and neurological disorders, namely dyslexia, dyspraxia and autism, by an involvement of fatty acid metabolism (Richardson and Ross 2000; Bell, Sargent, Tocher et al 2000) and some studies of violent, impulsive and antisocial behaviour have also made this connection. Such behaviour has been linked to tissue deficiencies of n-3 fatty acids (Corrigan, Gray, Strathdee et al 1994; Stevens, Zentall , Deck et al 1995; Stevens, Zentall, Abate et al 1995; Hibbeln, Umhau, Linnoila et al 1998; Burgess, Stevens, Zhang et al 2000) and other nutrients including vitamins and minerals (Schoenthaler, Amos, Doraz et al 1997, Walsh, Isaacson, Rehman et al 1997). Virkkunen, Horrobin, Jenkins et al (1986) found that in a group of violent and impulsive offenders, plasma DHA was significantly lower than controls while n6 fatty acids were significantly elevated. In a double-blind, placebo-controlled trial on young adult male prisoners, dietary supplementation with vitamins and minerals, as well as fish oil (80 mg per day EPA and 44 mg per day DHA) and evening primrose oil, resulted in 26% fewer disciplinary offences in the supplemented group compared to placebo and 35% fewer disciplinary offences in the supplemented group compared to the baseline frequency (Gesch, Hammond, Hampson et al 2002). A recent double-blind placebo-controlled trial investigated the effects of dietary supplementation for 12 weeks with tuna oil (186 mg per day EPA, 480 mg per day DHA) and evening primrose oil in children with specific learning difficulties such as dyslexia (Richardson and Puri 2002). It was found that supplementation produced significant benefits. It has also been suggested that DHA in particular might be useful in treatment of dyslexia and dyspraxia as well as ADHD (Stordy 1995, 1997, 2000). Dyspraxia is a condition involving reduced motor skills manifesting as excessive clumsiness and there is a close link between dyspraxia and dyslexia (Stordy 1997). Stordy (1995) reported that, in a preliminary study, supplementation for one month with 480 mg per day DHA significantly improved an aspect of vision called dark adaptation in five dyslexic children. In a later open study of 15 children with dyspraxia, supplementation with the same dose of tuna oil and evening primrose oil as used in the study by Richardson and Puri (2002), produced significant improvements in scores for manual dexterity, ball skills and static and dynamic balance. The studies described above, of impulsive and violent behaviour amongst prisoners and its possible association with PUFA status (Virkkunen, Horrobin, Jenkins et al 1986, Gesch, Hammond, Hampson et al 2002) may be compared to a series of studies of aggression in Japanese students. Hamazaki, Sawazaki, Itomura et al (1996) conducted a double-blind, placebo-controlled trial of fish oil supplementation (1.5-1.8 g DHA per day) and after three months of treatment, aggression scores were significantly lower in the DHA group compared to placebo. However, the reason for the difference was that aggression scores in the placebo group had increased while those in the DHA group did not change significantly. The difference was accounted for by the fact that the final assessment in the trial occurred just before academic examinations, which it was suggested had caused psychological stress. A similar trial was conducted on different students who did not face such stress and no significant change in hostility was recorded in the DHA or placebo group (Hamazaki, Sawazaki, Nagao et al 1998). The authors concluded that DHA administration could help to control aggression only at times of psychological stress (Hamazaki, Sawazaki, Itomura et al 2001). Hibbeln, Umhau, George et al (1997) pointed out that an apparent prevention of increased aggression is surprising because baseline intake of n-3 PUFA in the study population was relatively high. In a third double-blind, placebo- controlled trial on students. Plasma catecholamines were measured during a two-month period of continuous psychological stress due to university examinations (Sawazaki, Hamazaki, Yazawa et al 1999). In the DHA group, who took 1.5g DHA per day during the examination period, noradrenaline levels were significantly reduced. The authors interpreted this change as indicating that subjects in the DHA group adapted to stress more favourably than controls and that DHA may help to reduce the risk of stress-related diseases in individuals under long-lasting psychological stress (Hamazaki, Sawazaki, Nagasawa et al 1999, Hamazaki, Itomura, Sawazaki et al 2000). In another study by the same group, Thai subjects aged 50-60 years, from a university and surrounding villages, were studied in a double-blind placebo-controlled trial in which the treatment was the same DHA supplement as used in the previous trials (Hamazaki, Thienprasert, Kheovichai et al 2002). DHA administration reduced aggression scores amongst university employees but not amongst village-dwellers. The authors speculated that the difference was caused by a larger placebo effect amongst villagers or a lower sensitivity amongst villagers to the psychological stressor (a video of stressful events) used in the study. Conclusion The epidemiological evidence that DHA-deficiency is a cause of violent and impulsive behaviour is supportive but not conclusive. Also, the few available studies of plasma fatty acids demonstrate lower DHA levels in individuals with ADHD. Data from supplementation studies are inconsistent but there are sufficient positive results to strengthen the view that DHA deficiency may be associated with adverse behavioural consequences.

EFAs and behavior

What are EFAs? · Nutrition: Essential Fatty Acids (EFAs): What are EFAs? Things to Avoid · Nutrition: Essential Fatty Acids (EFAs): Things to Avoid Omega-3 Deficiency Symptoms List of Symptoms "These signs include · dry hair, · dry skin (often noticed as a 'goosebump' rash on the upper arms and/or upper thighs), · excessive thirst, · frequent urination, · problems with attention and so on." ILT: Essential Fatty Acids (EFAs) Keratosis Pilaris Keratosis Pilaris: Definition "Keratosis pilaris is a common skin condition that looks like small goose bumps, which are actually dead skin cells that build up around the hair follicle." HealthAtoZ.com: Keratosis Pilaris Keratosis Pilaris: Description · "Keratosis pilaris is a disorder that occurs around the hair follicles of the upper arms, thighs, and sometimes the buttocks. · It presents as small, benign bumps or papules that are actually waxy build-ups of keratin. Normally skin sloughs off. However, around the hair follicle where the papules form, the keratinized skin cells slough off at a slower rate, clogging the follicles. · This is generally thought to be genetic disorder, although the symptoms of keratosis pilaris are often seen with ichthyosis and allergic dermatitis. It can also be observed in people of all ages who have either inherited it or have a vitamin A deficiency or have dry skin. · Keratosis pilaris is a self-limiting disorder that disappears as the person ages. · It can become more severe when conditions are dry such as during the winter months or in dry climates." HealthAtoZ.com: Keratosis Pilaris Keratosis Pilaris: Causes and Symptoms "The specific causes of this disorder are unknown. Since this disorder runs in families, it is thought to be hereditary. Keratosis pilaris is not a serious disorder and is not contagious. The symptoms of keratosis pilaris are based on the development of small white papules the size of a grain of sand on the upper arms, thighs, and occasionally the buttocks and face. The papules occur around a hair follicle and are firm and white. They feel a little like coarse sandpaper, but they are not painful and there usually is no itching associated with them. They are easily removed and the material inside the papule usually contains a small, coiled hair." HealthAtoZ.com: Keratosis Pilaris Keratosis Pilaris: Treatment · "To treat keratosis pilaris patients can try several strategies to lessen the bumps. · First, the patient can supplement the natural removal of dry skin and papules by using a loofah or another type of scrub showering or bathing. · A variety of different over-the-counter (OTC) lotions, ointments, and creams can also be applied after showering while the skin is still moist and then several times a day to keep the area moist. · Medicated lotions with urea, 15% alphahydroxy acids, or Retin A can also be prescribed by the dermatologist and applied one to two times daily. · Systemic (oral) medications are not prescribed for keratosis pilaris. · However if papules are opened and become infected, antibiotics may be necessary to treat the infection." HealthAtoZ.com: Keratosis Pilaris "I did a little research on vitamin a deficiency and it seems to be, if not a cause, then a trigger to a lot of skin problems. However, taking vitamin A does not necessarily eliminate the deficiency. I know this because I was taking a vitamin A/B combo and nothing was happening. Then after doing some reading about eczema…omega 3 fatty acids (found in cod liver oil supplements [caution: cod liver oil in the quantity necessary to get three grams per day of omega-3's would contain dangerous levels of vitamin A]) help the body absorb vitamin A. This has worked for me and has offset a lot of the uncomfortable dry skin associated with not only my eczema, but also on my arms and legs (KP)." KeratosisPilaris.org: Archives: Re: Vitamin A and KP · Essential Fatty Acids (EFAs): Things to Avoid: Too Much Fish, Farm-Raised Fish · Essential Fatty Acids (EFAs): Things to Avoid: Dangerous Levels of Vitamin A · Nutrition: Vitamins and Minerals: Liquid Multivitamins: Absorption · Nutrition: Vitamins and Minerals: Vitamin A: Absorption Effects ADD, Dyslexia "If a child does not get enough EFAs, the myelin sheath protecting the axons of billions of neurons may not be adequate. Recent research is showing that boys with ADD have EFA deficiencies (Stevens, L. et al, 1995:000-000) and similar deficiencies are possibly responsible for the symptoms of dyslexia. (Stordy & Nicholl, 2000:105)." ILT: Essential Fatty Acids (EFAs) Depression "When researchers monitor eating habits across countries, they find that as fish consumption goes up, depression rates go down. In fact, there is a sixty-fold difference in depression rates across countries from the highest (Japan and Taiwan) to the lowest (North America, Europe and New Zealand) omega-3 fat consumption. Even postpartum depression decreases as women increase their consumption of fish. Many people also report a drop in mood when they switch too quickly to a low-fat diet. (Page 156)" Book: Somer, Elizabeth, M.A., R.D. Food & Mood. Henry Holt and Company, LLC, 1999. Serotonin and Dopamine "Over the last decade, neuroscientists have been examining the consequences of omega-3 deficiencies in the central nervous system. Alterations in serotonin and dopamine levels, as well as the functioning of these two important neurotransmitters is evident in an omega-3 deficiency. The changes observed in omega-3 deficiency in animals is strikingly similar to that found in autopsy studies of human depression.20" New Findings About Omega-3 Fatty Acids and Depression by Alan C. Logan, ND, FRSH Blood-Brain Barrier "In addition to changing serotonin and dopamine levels and functioning, omega-3 deficiencies are known to compromise the blood-brain barrier, which normally protects the brain from unwanted matter gaining access.21" New Findings About Omega-3 Fatty Acids and Depression by Alan C. Logan, ND, FRSH Blood Flow "Omega-3 deficiency can also decrease normal blood flow to the brain,22,23 an interesting finding given the studies which show that patients with depression have compromised blood flow to a number of brain regions.24,25" New Findings About Omega-3 Fatty Acids and Depression by Alan C. Logan, ND, FRSH Antidepressant Activity "Finally, omega-3 deficiency also causes a 35 percent reduction in brain phosphatidylserine (PS) levels.26 This is also of relevance when considering that PS has documented antidepressant activity in humans.27,28" New Findings About Omega-3 Fatty Acids and Depression by Alan C. Logan, ND, FRSH Mechanisms of EPA/DHA Regulation of Mood "DHA [an omega-3 fatty acid] is found in high levels in the cells of the central nervous system (neurons); here it acts as a form of scaffolding for structural support.29 When omega-3 intake is inadequate, the nerve cell becomes stiff as cholesterol and omega-6 fatty acids are substituted for omega-3.30 When a nerve cell becomes rigid, proper neurotransmission from cell to cell and within cells will be compromised.31 While DHA provides structure and helps to ensure normal neurotransmission, EPA [an omega-3 fatty acid] may be more important in the signaling within nerve cells.32 Normalizing communications within nerve cells has been suggested to be an important factor in alleviating depressive symptoms.33" New Findings About Omega-3 Fatty Acids and Depression by Alan C. Logan, ND, FRSH "In addition, EPA can lower the levels of two important immune chemicals, · tumour necrosis factor alpha (TNFa) and · interleukin 1 beta (IL-1ß), · as well as prostaglandin E2.34 All three of these chemicals are elevated in depression.35-38 In fact, higher levels of TNFa and IL-1ß are associated with severity of depression.39" New Findings About Omega-3 Fatty Acids and Depression by Alan C. Logan, ND, FRSH "Finally, EPA has been hypothesized to increase brain-derived neurotropic factor (BDNF), which is known to be lower in depressed patients.20 BDNF is neuroprotective, enhances neurotransmission, has antidepressant activity and supports normal brain structure. BDNF may prevent the death of nerve cells in depression." New Findings About Omega-3 Fatty Acids and Depression by Alan C. Logan, ND, FRSH Correcting an Omega-3 Deficiency Note: More information about sources of omega-3s can be found on the page Nutrition: Essential Fatty Acid (EFA) Sources Flax "Flax, our richest source of omega 3, quickly replenishes a long-standing omega 3 deficiency. A dozen 8 oz. bottles of good quality flax oil consumed over the course of a few months will suffice [approximately one bottle every five days, 1.6 ounces per day]." The Edelson Center: Essential Fatty Acids: The Healing Fats "There have been some published case reports indicating that flaxseed oil may be helpful in cases of bipolar depression and the anxiety disorder agoraphobia.40 The first controlled clinical trial indicating that omega-3 fatty acids may be of benefit in depression was published in 1999. In this case, 9:6 g ['9:6 g' should be read a dose of 6 g per day for a period of nine days?] of EPA/DHA versus placebo led to longer periods of remission and improvement in depressive symptoms in those with bipolar depression.41" New Findings About Omega-3 Fatty Acids and Depression by Alan C. Logan, ND, FRSH 2g Daily of Pure EPA "Some researchers theorize that such high doses of EPA/DHA may not be necessary and that low levels of pure EPA may be of benefit.32 In a study published in the American Journal of Psychiatry, researchers showed that just 2g of pure EPA could improve the symptoms of treatment-resistant depression. The researchers found that the EPA (versus placebo), when added to an ineffective antidepressant for one month, significantly improved depressive symptoms.42" New Findings About Omega-3 Fatty Acids and Depression by Alan C. Logan, ND, FRSH 1g Daily of Pure EPA "A larger study published in Archives of General Psychiatry replicated these findings, however, this time various doses of EPA were examined. Those on ineffective antidepressants were given 1g, 2g or 4g of pure EPA or a placebo in addition to the medication. Interestingly, the 1g daily dose of EPA led to the most significant improvements over the three-month study; it appeared that less was more. There were significant improvements in depressive symptoms, sleep, anxiety, lassitude, libido and thoughts of suicide.43" New Findings About Omega-3 Fatty Acids and Depression by Alan C. Logan, ND, FRSH "Harvard researchers have also shown that just 1g of pure EPA is beneficial in the treatment of borderline personality disorder. This personality disorder, which is particularly difficult to treat, is characterized by both depressive and aggressive symptoms. This was a two-month placebo-controlled study and the results showed that EPA has a mood-regulating effect, improving both depression and aggression versus placebo.46" New Findings About Omega-3 Fatty Acids and Depression by Alan C. Logan, ND, FRSH 4.4g EPA and 2.2g DHA Mix "Researchers from Taiwan Medical University published a recent study in which they found that a 4.4g EPA and 2.2g DHA mix could alleviate depression versus placebo in those with treatment-resistant depression. This was a two-month study involving patients who were on antidepressants that were not working. As with the other omega-3 studies discussed, the fish oil was well tolerated and no adverse events were reported.44" New Findings About Omega-3 Fatty Acids and Depression by Alan C. Logan, ND, FRSH Antarctic Krill Oil (400mg EPA, 240mg DHA) "There is also evidence that omega-3 oils may be of benefit in treating depressive symptoms outside of major depressive disorder. Canadian researchers showed that Antarctic krill oil (400mg EPA, 240mg DHA) could improve depressive symptoms associated with premenstrual syndrome.45" New Findings About Omega-3 Fatty Acids and Depression by Alan C. Logan, ND, FRSH DHA Alone not Recommended "To date, with one exception, all studies conducted on omega-3 fatty acids and mood have had a positive outcome. The singular negative study examined pure DHA in patients with depression. The results in the case showed that DHA alone was no better than placebo in alleviating depressive symptoms.47" New Findings About Omega-3 Fatty Acids and Depression by Alan C. Logan, ND, FRSH Omega-6 Deficiency "Long--term exclusion or excessive use of flax oil can result in omega 6 deficiency after about two years, because flax oil is omega 3 rich but omega 6 poor." The Edelson Center: Essential Fatty Acids: The Healing Fats

Pyroluria

Pyrrole Disorder

Omega 3s can worsen mental symptoms in bipolar or schizophrenic patients.... if they have a pyrrole disorder. This phenotype is dramatically short of arachidonic acid & giving omega 3 oils aggravates the situation since omega 3 and omega 6 EFA's are in competition for delta 5,6 desaturases. We use red blood cell membrane analysis for EFA's if we suspect this problem. Pyroluric mental patients will usually get worse if given fish oils, DHA, EPA, etc. They thrive on Primrose Oil, a good source of AA and other omega 6s. (June 23, 2003)

Most persons with pyroluria respond very quickly to the B-6, Zn, C, E therapy..... Major improvements are often seen by the 2nd day, and almost always by the end of the first week. The exceptions are: (1) persons with severe mental illness (schizophrenia or bipolar), (2) persons with other significant chemical imbalances, and (3) patients with a major malabsorptive condition. When pyroluria is diagnosed along with another chemical imbalance, I like to track a patient during the first 6-8 weeks to determine which is the dominant imbalance. If major improvement occurs immediately, it's because pyroluria has been corrected. Some patients report a nice early improvement followed by a plateau, and then another advance. Schizophrenic and bipolar pyrolurics usually report some progress after a few weeks, but it may take 3-6 months to get to steady state. The biggest problem with the Kp analysis is getting a proper sample to the lab. The kryptopyrrole molecule is unstable and will disappear rapidly at room temperature or if exposed to bright light. The urine sample must be placed in a freezer immediately after acquisition. Kp can be lost in the freezer if the temperature isn't well below 32 degrees F. We've also learned that exposure to bright light results in breakdown of the Kp molecule. Finally, the sample must be maintained in a frozen condition during shipment. I would greatly suspect any Kp value below 3.0. Usually this means the sample didn't get to the lab in proper condition. With respect to reference levels: We consider a healthy level to be between 4-8 mcg/dL. We consider persons between 10 and 20 to have mild pyroluria, and a good response to treatment is usually reported. Persons exhibiting 20 to 50 mcg/dL have moderate pyroluria, which can be a devastating condition. Persons above 50 mcg/dL have severe pyroluria. Longitudinal testing of pyrolurics has shown that major variations can occur during a day. For example, Arthur Shawcross (famous NY serial killer) had levels ranging from 35 to 203, with higher levels observed during stressful periods in prison. However, he always tested as pyroluric in multiple tests. Stresses, illnesses, injury, etc can be expected to elevate Kp levels. Medical history and review of symptoms are vital to this diagnosis. The major challenge in differential diagnosis of pyroluria is the similarity in symptoms between pyroluria and overmethylation (low blood histamine). Another problem is that symptoms of pyroluria are greatly muted in undermethylated, obsessive/compulsive persons. These persons may be high achievers, with great internal tension..... Persons with pyroluria alone tend to underachieve, partly because of a poor short term memory and associated reading problems. (Nov 10, 2003)

We've obtained hair Zn and plasma Zn levels (simultaneously) about 40,000 times. Low hair zinc correlates beautifully with low plasma levels. However, very elevated Zn in hair nearly always means Zn deficiency and loss plasma Zn levels. Most of the time this involves a Pyrrole disorder which results in very high Zn excretion in urine (and hair). In a healthy person without metal-metabolism problem, only about 4 percent of excreted Zn leaves through the kidneys. [28 Nov 03] Symptoms of pyroluria include (1) stunting of growth, (2) unpleasant body odor, (3) delayed puberty, and (4) skin stretch marks. This family's symptoms are certainly consistent with pyroluria. Pyroluria definitely runs in families. We have a mother in Kane County, IL who has 15 children & all of them tested pyroluric. The mother had a Kp level of over 150 herself

ADDers Are More Likely to Have Fatty Acid Deficiencies

Omegas and ADD A Purdue University study showed that kids low in Omega-3 essential fatty acids are significantly more likely to be hyperactive, have learning disorders, and to display behavioral problems. Omega-3 deficiencies have also been tied to dyslexia, violence, depression, memory problems, weight gain, cancer, heart disease, eczema, allergies, inflammatory diseases, arthritis, diabetes, and many other conditions. Over 2,000 scientific studies have demonstrated the wide range of problems associated with Omega-3 deficiencies. The American diet is almost devoid of Omega 3's except for certain types of fish. In fact, researchers believe that about 60% of Americans are deficient in Omega-3 fatty acids, and about 20% have so little that test methods cannot even detect any in their blood. Your brain is more than 60% structural fat, just as your muscles are made of protein and your bones are made of calcium. But it's not just any fat that our brains are made of. It has to be certain types of fats, and we no longer eat these types of fats like we used to. Worse, we eat man-made trans-fats and excessive amounts of saturated fats and vegetable oils high in Omega-6 fatty acids, all of which interfere which our body's attempt to utilize the tiny amount of Omega-3 fats that it gets. Other parts of our bodies also need Omega-3 fatty acids. Symptoms of fatty acid deficiency include a variety of skin problems such as eczema, thick patches of skin, and cracked heels. In the fall of 1998, after reading about the Purdue study which associated fatty-acid deficiencies with learning disorders and hyperactivity, I began to give my six-year son a tablespoon of Barlean's Flax Oil each day, and I took the same amount myself (mixed with yogurt). Flax oil is extremely high in Omega-3's. I also reduced our consumption of trans-fats and increase the amount of olive and canola oil in our diet. After one month, the incurable eczema located on the back of my son's legs vanished, and it is still gone as of this writing (5/99). That eczema had not responded to diet changes, cremes, or allergy medication, and he'd had it for years, so bad that he would scratch it until it bled and caused him to lose sleep. Then, during the next three months my cracked heels slowly improved until they too were cured. Like my son's rashes, my cracked heels had not responded to any type of treatment for several years, even though I tried lotions and pumice stones to thin the skin. Today, they are fine. I can only imagine what the fatty-acid deficiency we clearly both had had was doing to me and my son neurologically, and I am grateful to have learned about it. My son has been doing great in Kindergarten with very few behavior problems, and is ahead of his peers in reading, so I can't help but wonder if the increase in Omega-3 fatty acids is a factor in that. While I'll never know for sure, I suspect that it was. Signs of Fatty Acid Imbalance (from the book "Smart Fats") Dry skin Dandruff Frequent urination Irritability Attention deficit Soft nails Alligator skin Allergies Lowered immunity Weakness Fatigue Dry, unmanageable hair Excessive thirst Brittle, easily frayed nails Hyperactivity "Chicken skin" on backs of arms Dry eyes Learning problems Poor wound healing Frequent infections Patches of pale skin on cheeks Cracked skin on heels or fingertips Imagine your brain conducting some routine maintenance on your dopamine and serotonin receptors (implicated in both ADD and mood disorders). These receptors are composed of an Omega-3 fatty acid called DHA. If you don't have much DHA in your blood, man-made trans-fat molecules may be used as a construction material instead. But trans-fats (hydrogenated oils) are shaped differently than DHA: they are straight while DHA is curved. The dopamine receptor becomes deformed and doesn't work very well. Repeat this scenario day after day, year after year, and you could wind up with problems like depression and problems concentrating. This problem is most severe for a child whose brain is still developing. "A lack of highly unsaturated fats is particularly noticeable in connection with brain and nerve functioning. An adjustment in diet to one with oil and protein contents high in unsaturated fats brings the best results in children. I have often observed this when called in to treat cancer patients. In general, I recommend that the whole family adjust their food intake so that they use the optimal, natural fats. As for children whose scholastic performance is often below standard -- and it's usually the case in families where the parents don't eat correctly -- the results of an optimal fat intake normally begin to show themselves in school marks being bettered by not only one, but two levels." - from "Flax Oil as a True Aid..." by Dr. Johanna Budwig, a seven time nobel prize nominee and considered by many to be the foremost authority on fats & healing, 1959. Now imagine a child in school learning math. The act of learning requires the brain to form new neural pathways. DHA is needed, especially for the delicate neural synapses which are composed entirely of DHA. This child, like the vast majority of U.S. children, eats almost no Omega-3 fatty acids. What does the brain do? Again, it struggles and finally uses other types of fats, which are the wrong shape. The neural network develops slowly and is defective. The child has learning and memory problems as well as behavior problems. "The Link Between Omega-3 Fatty Acids and Learning (from "The Omega Plan") "In a study of learning ability, rats were raised on either a diet that was deficient in Omega-3 fatty acids or one that was nutritionally complete. Initially, both groups of rats had similar numbers of synaptic vesicles. After a month-long learning program, however, the Omega-3 enriched rats had considerably more vesicles in their nerve endings and also performed markedly better on the tests. This study suggests there may be a direct connection between the amount Omega-3 fatty acids in your diet, the number of synaptic vesicles in your neurons, and your ability to learn." I believe that within the next 5 or 10 years the population at large will become familiar with the issue of fatty acid deficiency and the harm causes by transfats, and there will be significant changes in the way food is formulated and marketed. In 1994 the Center For Science in the Public Interest petitioned the FDA to require labeling of transfats. In 1998 Consumer Reports called for similar labeling (Nov. 98 issue). In response to growing pulic pressure and the rising number of studies implicating transfats, the FDA has announced a new rule that will require the transfat content of foods, but it won't become effective for a few years. Companies are beginning to market omega-3 foods, like tuna and eggs from chickens fed with high-omega 3 foods. Babyfood companies like Gerber are talking about adding DHA to foods (meanwhile the same food still contains transfats). In Japan parents have been giving their kids DHA supplements for years to improve their grades. "Struggling With Jamie" From "Smart Fats" by Michael Schmidt "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 coordination. Sports were hard for him and learning was no better... Jamie also had patches of dry skin and coarse, unruly hair -- clues to 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." Research has shown that the diets of hunter/gatherers were rich in Omega-3's. They ate a mix of meat, fruits and vegetables, with little or no grains. Green leafy vegetables, certain seeds and nuts, and wild game are rich in Omega-3's. It turns out that cows, chickens and other animals have much higher levels of Omega-3s when they are fed by "free-range" methods because they eat lots of green leafy vegetables. On the other hand, if they are fed grain, their Omega-3 levels crash. Wild game is much healthier to eat and it is much leaner than farm-raised animals. Hunter/gatherers ate greens with lots of Omega-3's. We know this because scientists have actually tested many of the plants and animals eaten by existing and past hunter/gatherer groups. These have been replaced primarily with grains, which contain the wrong kinds of fats. More Detail Than You May Want to Know: EPA, DHA, and the Omega-3 family of Eicosanoids are important types of Omega-3 fatty acids. Normally our body can manufacture all of these products if it has plenty of the parent Omega-3 fatty acid called Alpha-Linolenic Acid (ALA) found naturally in green leafy vegetables, flax, flaxseed and canola oil, walnuts and Brazil nuts. (Note: DHA is not to be confused with DHEA, a popular hormonal supplement). Our bodies convert ALA to EPA; EPA to DHA; and DHA to Omega-3 Eichosanoids. There are many things that can interfere with this process, especially vegetable oils in the diet. Note that it is possible to acquire EPA and DHA directly by eating fish oil, certain eggs, or by taking supplements. Fatty fish contain plenty of both substances. Plenty of studies have shown that fish-eating cultures have much better health, including mental health. DHA is particularly important for brain functions. Scientists have discovered that severely depressed people are lower in DHA, and the more depressed they are, the less DHA they have. One ancient remedy for depression was to feed the patient animal brains, now known to be extremely high in DHA and Omega-3 fatty acids. Incidentally, alcohol is known to deplete DHA stores extremely rapidly. While the body can theoretically manufacture its own DHA out of the parent ALA fatty acid, things can interfere with this conversion. The most important problem is an excess of Omega-6 fatty acids in the bloodstream, which use the same enzymes for a similar type of conversion. This is why it is extremely important not to have too many Omega-6 fats in your diet (the vegetable oils like sunflower and soybean oil). Other problems might inhibit the conversion process, such as a deficiency in certain vitamins and minerals. Infants who are fed formula in the United States receive almost no Omega-3's, while infants who are breast fed thrive on milk rich in DHA (the amount depends on the mother's diet). Researchers have found that infants who are fed formulas enriched with Omega-3's or who are breast fed do better visually and intellectually. Incidentally, pregnant women experience a major loss in DHA as their DHA is rerouted to the fetus. This may be one reason depression is so common after child birth.