Dyslexia and Fatty Acid Deficiency

Recent research has also found a link between fatty acid deficiency symptoms and dyslexia (inability to read, spell and write words despite having ability to see and recognize letters). Ratings of fatty acid deficiency symptoms were significantly higher in dyslexic than non-dyslexic adults. In dyslexic group, these symptoms were associated with visual symptoms when reading, other visual problems, auditory and language confusions and motor problems. Their occurrence and severity was also found to correlate with the severity of difficulties with reading, spelling and working memory in dyslexic children.

Autism and Fatty Acid Deficiency

Epidemiological studies show that cases of autism are on the rise across the developed countries. The diagnosis of autism has increased dramatically over the past ten years. According to UK’s Medical Research Council, there is one autistic child in 166 of the UK population while the UK National Autistic Society suggests the rate may be even higher.

Studies have shown that autistic children harbor higher levels of phospholipase enzyme, which removes highly unsaturated fatty acids (HUFA) from the membrane phospholipids. Researchers believe that higher levels of the enzyme phospholipase, seen in preliminary studies on blood samples from autistic children, may metabolise fatty acids in these children more quickly than in those without the condition. They say increased metabolism affects all fatty acids. But adding more omega-3 through diet or supplementation could compensate fatty acid deficiency arising out of metabolic anomalies. In a study where children were given fatty acid EPA supplements, the children exhibited better sleeping patterns, cognition, eye contact and sociability.

Cardiovascular, Immune and Metabolic Disorders and Omega-3 Fatty Acid Deficiency

ALA, an essential fatty acid, given in the early development period can affect blood pressure later in life. In a study with Sprague-Dawley rats, a species with predisposition for high blood pressure, omega-3 fatty acid deficiency in perinatal period resulted in raised blood pressure later in life, even when the animals were subsequently provided with these fatty acids.