Recent Research
Several research projects in the past few years have brought our attention to the biological basis of these struggles, specifically a difficulty with Fatty Acid (omega-3 & omega-6) metabolism.
They have highlighted the relationship between learning behaviour and attention disorders and Essentia Fatty Acids (EFAs) deficiency in children.
The more recent studies corroborate the older ones. In a 1981 study, reported in the journal, Medical Hypotheses, a large number of hyperactive children showed deficiencies in EFAs. The study revealed that boys have 3 times higher need for EFAs than girls.
This might be one explanation for the larger number of boys experiencing difficulties in various area of learning and behaviour.
Boys with lower levels of omega-3 (DHA) Fatty Acids in their blood scored higher in frequency of behaviour problems including hyperactivity, impulsivity, anxiety, temper tantrums and sleep problems according to research carried out at a university in America.
A paediatrician who was the director of the well known Gesell Institute of Human Development in Connecticut, has used EFA supplementation to treat children with learning struggles, speech delays, attention problems and behaviour problems for years with good success.
Researchers investigating the link between night blindness and dyslexia has had fascinating results using Essential Fatty Acids supplementation with children struggling with learning difficulties.
Researchers have reached the same conclusion as other researchers; that ADD, ADHD, Dyspraxia run in families. Apparently these family members share an inherited deficiency in EFAs.
There is an increase in the number of children who have ADD (attention deficit disorder), ADHD (attention deficit hyperactivity disorder), Dyslexia (difficulty with language or words) and Dyspraxia (co-ordination disorder). Also learning struggles and problems with behaviour.
Over the recent years there has been a threefold increase in the use of ritalin and anti-depressants in children.