One of my best friends is a linseed farmer and he has for many years been banging the drum about how Omega 3 deficiency and the low fat dietary drive is impacting on our society and in the light of recent times I’m inclined to agree with him. We have wide spread increases in depression and mental health issues, and for the last few years childhood aggression has been increasing and an important aspect of dietary research is showing how Omega 3 deficiency could be playing a part in this.
DHA or docosahexaenoic acid is an important part of brain development, maturation, function and maintenance, reductions in DHA in the prenatal brain are associated with deficits in neuronal arborisation which is a process that is essential for the connectivity between neurons, deficits in serotonin and dopamine neurotransmission, impaired cognitive function, and elevated anxiety, aggression, and depression.
Many children’s diets leave a lot to be desired at times, full of highly processed foods, and low in whole foods, fish, and vegetables, this is leaving children high in calorie dense foods, but low in nutrient dense foods. Many children ending up with a diet that isn’t supporting their development and is setting them up for a life time of chronic disease.
New studies show that omega 3 deficiency is a likely compounding factor in the changes in children’s behaviour. When children and adults were given a diet rich in omega 3 and fish, it reduced violent offences by a third, and so ensuring that fish is in the diet is absolutely key, or if you are vegetarian and vegan, omega 3 rich ground down seeds and oils such as linseed oil are included. Good brain function is dependant on omega 3 and I can’t help but think about Pottengers Cats when I consider these pieces of research.
