ESSENTIAL FATTY ACID SUPPLEMENTATION
FOR CHILDREN WITH LANGUAGE AND LEARNING DISABILITIES

Essential Fatty Acids (also called EFAs) are often discussed as helpful for children with Dyslexia, Dyspraxia, ADHD and Autism. There are many case reports that suggest certain children do profit from EFA supplements. However, since there are no clinical trials as of yet to determine the functioning or efficacy of this treatment, The Focus Foundation cannot formally recommend EFA. EFA could be helpful to these children, but there is no way to conclusively know at this time.

The information contained here is to provide some background to parents and care providers about EFAs. Families considering using a EFA supplements should discuss the matter with their private medical provider. EFA is not recommended if shellfish allergies are present.

What are essential fatty acids (EFA)?

EFA’s are polyunsaturated healthy fats that help regulate biochemical activities in cells and tissues throughout the body. These fats are essential for normal brain development and function. EFAs that cannot be manufactured by the body and must be provided in the diet are linoleic acid (omega 6) and alpha-linolenic acid (omega 3). These nutrients are found in fish oils but are difficult to obtain due to various dietary, lifestyle and disease factors that interfere with the conversion process.

Effects of EFA deficiency.

Scientific findings suggest that a lack or imbalance of EFAs may be associated with neurodevelopmental disorders and might contribute to learning and behavioral difficulties. A study by L.J. Stevens et al. (American Journal of Clinical Nutrition, 1995), found that 53 boys with ADHD had significantly lower concentrations of key fatty acids in plasma lipids and red blood cell lipids than did 43 control subjects. The researchers hypothesized that some children with ADHD may have altered fatty acid metabolism.

Improvements made with EFA.

Although trial study results have been mixed, EFA supplementation might offer a safe treatment for children with educational and behavioral problems. A.J. Richardson et al. (Pediatrics, 2005), conducted a study on 117 children, ages 5-12, with developmental coordination disorder (learning, behavior, psychosocial difficulties). Dietary supplementation of omega 3 and omega 6 fatty acids was compared with placebo use over a three month period. Significant improvements in reading, spelling and behavior were seen in the group receiving the fatty acids versus the placebo group. An article by A.J. Richardson (Food and Behavior Research, 2002) states that although more controlled treatment trials are needed, there is preliminary evidence that fatty acid supplementation may be of benefit in the management of Dyslexia, Dyspraxia and ADHD. Nordic Naturals, Inc., a supplier of fish-oil and essential fatty acid nutritional supplements, announced a pilot trial that showed the benefits of EFA supplementation for children with Autism and Asperger’s. A physician and a licensed speech/language pathologist at a pediatric clinic in Arizona conducted the study, which was completed in 2004. The children received supplementation over a 90-day period and demonstrated significant increases in language and learning skills.

Important factors when considering EFA supplementation.