Omega-3 fatty acids in boys with behavior, learning, and health problems.
The purpose of the study reported here was to compare behavior, learning, and health problems in boys ages 6 to 12 with lower plasma phospholipid total omega-3 or total omega-6 fatty acid levels with those boys with higher levels of these fatty acids. A greater frequency of symptoms indicative of essential fatty acid deficiency was reported by the parents of subjects with lower plasma omega-3 or omega-6 fatty acid concentrations than those with higher levels. A greater number of behavior problems, assessed by the Conners' Rating Scale, temper tantrums, and sleep problems were reported in subjects with lower total omega-3 fatty acid concentrations. Additionally, more learning and health problems were found in subjects with lower total omega-3 fatty acid concentrations. (Only more colds and more antibiotic use were reported by those subjects with lower total omega-6 fatty acids). These findings are discussed in relation to recent findings for omega-3 experimentally deprived animals.
Stevens
L J
LJ
Department of Foods and Nutrition, Purdue University, West Lafayette, IN 47907-1264, USA.
Zentall
S S
SS
Abate
M L
ML
Kuczek
T
T
Burgess
J R
JR
D002648:Child; D002652:Child Behavior; D002653:Child Behavior Disorders / Q000097:blood*; D015525:Fatty Acids, Omega-3 / Q000097:blood*; D043371:Fatty Acids, Omega-6; D005231:Fatty Acids, Unsaturated / Q000097:blood; D006262:Health; D006801:Humans; D007858:Learning / Q000502:physiology*; D008297:Male; D010743:Phospholipids / Q000097:blood
D015525:Fatty Acids, Omega-3; D043371:Fatty Acids, Omega-6; D005231:Fatty Acids, Unsaturated; D010743:Phospholipids