Dyslexia in adults is associated with clinical signs of fatty acid deficiency

Developmental dyslexia is a complex syndrome whose exact cause remains unkn own. It has been suggested that a problem with fatty acid metabolism may pl ay a role, particularly in relation to the visual symptoms exhibited by man y dyslexics. We explored this possibility using two self-report questionnai res, designed on the basis of clinical experience, to assess (1) clinical s igns of fatty acid deficiency; and (2) symptoms associated with dyslexia in known dyslexic and non-dyslexic subjects. Dyslexic signs and symptoms incl uded the auditory-linguistic and spoken language difficulties traditionally associated with the disorder, as well as visual problems (both with readin g and more generally) and motor problems. Fatty acid deficiency signs were significantly elevated in dyslexic subject s relative to controls, particularly within males (P < 0.001). In addition, the severity of these clinical sig ns of fatty acid deficiency was strongl y correlated with the severity of dyslexic signs and symptoms not only in t he visual domain, but also with respect to auditory, linguistic and motor p roblems. The pattern of relationships differed somewhat between dyslexic an d control groups, and sex differences were also observed. Our findings supp ort the hypothesis that fatty acid metabolism may be abnormal in developmen tal dyslexia, and indicate the need for further studies using more objectiv e measures. (C) 2000 Harcourt Publishers Ltd.