SMART AID

Leaning Factors

• Emerging research shows a kink between learning, behavior, concentration and essential fatty acids. Children diagnosed with Attention Deficit Hyper-activity Disorder (ADHD) and dyslexia often have lower than normal levels of key essential fatty acids. Adding these "good " fats into the diet of these children can make a real difference. Even adults with learning problems can benefit from supplementation with Smart Aid, a blend of essential fatty acids and anti-oxidants for optimal brain and visual performance. Thesis fatty acids are called essential because they must be provided in the diet since the body cannot consistently make them. Docosahezaenoic Acid (DHA) is a derivative of essential omega-3 fatty acids. Less well known but also important are the omega-6 fatty acid derivatives, gamma linolenic acid (GLA) and arachidomic acid (AA). When these fatty acids are added to the diet of some hyperactive children, the children seem to calm right down.

Leaning, Behavior and DHA

• Researchers at Purdur University studied hyperactive, impulsive, and inattentive children, and compared 53 boys who suffered from ADHD compared to 43 matched controls. Analyses showed that the boys with ADHA had significantly lower levels of essential fatty acids in their blood. The researchers concluded that supplementation with missing fatty acids may be a useful treatment for hyperactivity, Many of the hyperactive children also had other had other symptoms of fatty acid deficiency, such as dry hair and skin, thirst, frequent urination, and they were more likely to have asthma and ear infections.

DHA, the brain's fatty acid

• DHA's importance begins in the womb. It is a major fatty acid in the brain of the developing fetus and a primary fatty acid in breast milk. DHA comprises as much 60 percent of the fatty acids in the retina of the eye. Evidence is mounting that breast fed infants do better than their formula-fed counterparts. An 18-year study ending in January 1998 showed that breast-fed infants might have higher intelligence and greater academic achievement than formula-fed infants might. The study compared IQ' and rates of high school completion in 1000 children. After all factors were taken into account, breast-fed babies were 38 percent more likely to graduate from high school.