Omega-3 Levels and Behavior in Boys

The purpose of the study 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. These findings are discussed in relation to recent findings for Omega-3 experimentally deprived animals.

Reference:
Stevens LJ, Zentall SS, Abate ML, Kuczek T, Burgess JR; Omega-3 fatty acids in boys with behavior, learning, and health problems. Physiol Behav, Volume 59 o Issue 4-5.

*These statements have not been evaluated by the Food and Drug Administration.

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