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ADHD & Dyslexia Treatment: The Use of Fish Oils
Comment on this Talk
Helen on 12/01/2010
Is this correct that fish oils is a proven dyslexia treatment. It was my understanding that this had been disproven as a dyslexia treatment.
About this talk: Professor John Stein describes why fish oils are important for the wellbeing of children. He considers the use of supplements and how they can help dyslexics and those with attention problems.
About the speaker: John Stein is a professor of neuroscience in Oxford University Medical School. He is particularly interested in the auditory and visual perceptual impairments suffered by dyslexic children.
Talk Topics - Dyslexia - Organisation / Attention
Further information about this Talk
Key Points Covered in This Talk:
- The Importance of Fish Oil: Contributing to dyslexic problems are problems with the nutrition of the brain. Essential fatty acids (derived from fish oils) constitute around 20% of the makeup of the brain. Unfortunately, nowadays, we eat very little fish. This creates a problem because the essential fatty acids that come from fish oils and are incorporated in the brain are moved in and out of the membranes and other places in the brain and if you don't replace them then the workings of the brain are impaired. This is why it is often suggested that people with dyslexic or ADHD problems are given supplements of these essential fatty acids.
- Pregnant Mothers: Mothers should make sure that they eat plenty of oily fish when they are pregnant. If they don't like fish then supplements should be taken. These are very important for the wellbeing of the child's brain.
- Fish Oils for Children and Adults: These essential fatty acids move in and out of the membrane throughout life. Therefore you need to be able to replace them. If you give supplements of fish oils to children with dyslexia problems it often improves them, particularly in terms of concentration.
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What to Watch Next
Dyslexia Overlays: Using Coloured Lenses: Professor John Stein considers how colour overlays can be used to help those with dyslexia. He describes how yellow and blue filters can help dyslexics with reading as well as other difficulties.
Dyslexia Help: What Dyslexia Parents Can Do: Dr Valerie Muter gives and insight into how parents can help their children to cope with dyslexia and provide dyslexia help. She gives a view of both what can be done in the early years and the middle years.
ADHD Treatment: Fintan O'Regan considers the merits of using medication to treat ADHD. He looks at the impact of Ritalin, its side effects and also considers alternative treatments such as fish oil.