Can nutrition influence your child’s behaviour? Catherine Morgan investigates recent studies
Tantrums, hyperactivity, aggression… most of us will agree that children can exhibit some extreme behaviours at times. And while there are many possible explanations — ‘just a phase’, environment, developmental stage, etc. — a growing body of evidence also highlights the role of diet and nutrition in behaviour and cognitive function.
Omega-3 fatty acids
Present in foods such as oily fish (e.g. salmon, sardines, and mackerel), flaxseeds and walnuts, omega-3 fatty acids have been linked to improved behaviour, learning and concentration in children. These fats are important functional and structural components of cell membranes and are vital for normal brain function. A 2014 study1 showed that omega-3 supplementation for six months produced a 42-68 per cent reduction in parent reported “externalising” aggressive and antisocial behaviour, such as getting into fights or lying, and “internalising” behaviour, such as depression, anxiety and withdrawal, in children and adolescents aged 8-16 years.1 Another study of nearly 500 schoolchildren showed that blood levels of omega-3 fatty acids significantly predicted a child’s behaviour and ability to learn.2 The researchers found that higher levels of omega-3 fatty acids, and DHA (docosahexaenoic acid) in particular, were associated with “better reading and working memory performance, and fewer ADHD [attention deficit hyperactivity disorder]-type symptoms, even when controlling for sex and socioeconomic status”.
Vitamins and minerals
This story is from the Summer 2017 edition of Optimum Nutrition.
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This story is from the Summer 2017 edition of Optimum Nutrition.
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