OMEGA-3-FATTY-ACIDS IN BOYS WITH BEHAVIOR, LEARNING, AND HEALTH-PROBLEMS

The purpose of the study reported here was to compare behavior, learni ng, and health problems in boys ages 6 to 12 with lower plasma phospho lipid total omega-3 or total omega-6 fatty acid levels with those boys with higher levels of these fatty acids. A greater frequency of sympt oms indicative of essential fatty acid deficiency was reported by the parents of subjects with lower plasma omega-3 or omega-6 fatty acid co ncentrations than those with higher levels. A greater number of behavi or problems, assessed by the Conners' Rating Scale, temper tantrums, a nd sleep problems were reported in subjects with lower total omega-3 f atty acid concentrations. Additionally, more learning and health probl ems were found in subjects with lower total omega-3 fatty acid concent rations. (Only more colds and more antibiotic use were reported by tho se subjects with lower total omega-6 fatty acids.) These findings are discussed in relation to recent findings for omega-3 experimentally de prived animals.