A recent review of studies, including about 50 that have not yet been published, supports the theory that docosahexaenoic acid (DHA), a form of omega-3 fatty acid found in fish oil, improves cognitive and behavioral performance.
Based on the studies, researchers suggest that small differences in brain concentrations of DHA, such as those that most likely occur between infants fed supplemented or unsupplemented formulas, may result in subtle effects that currently are difficult to detect but could be significant. Animal studies have provided convincing and consistent evidence linking a decrease in brain concentrations of DHA to decreased performance on cognitive or behavioral tests.
The evidence continues to mount that omega-3 fats are vital for proper brain function. That's one of the primary reasons why I often remind you it's tremendously important for pregnant women to be sure they are receiving the optimal amount of omega-3 fats if they do not want to risk the health of their unborn baby.
There is very little doubt in my mind that this is the single most important nutritional deficiency in the United States. There would be a massive improvement in our health if more people started consuming fish oil.
Fish or cod liver oil is really the only "supplement" I routinely take. I put supplement in quotes because I really don't believe that fish or cod liver oil is a supplement at all, but rather is a food. The unfortunate reason the extracted oil is a superior option to fish itself for most of us is due to the contamination of the fish supply with mercury and PCBs.
Studies have also shown that school-age children with dyspraxia improved dramatically when given an omega-3-rich fish-oil supplement. Dyspraxia is a condition that encompasses problems with motor skills and coordination; it frequently overlaps with dyslexia, attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) and autism.
The easiest and safest way get omega-3s is to take a high-quality fish or cod liver oil daily. To choose the best one for you, I recommend reviewing my fish oil/cod liver oil FAQ page today.
Most fish oil supplements, like the Carlson brand of fish oil/cod liver oil that I highly recommend and offer on this site, go through a molecular distillation process to clean out the mercury. The Carlson brand also is routinely tested using standard international protocols in an independent, FDA-registered laboratory; this testing not only ensures freedom from detectable levels of mercury, but also cadmium, lead, PCBs and 28 other contaminants.
If you are using a brand besides Carlson, you should definitely contact the manufacturer to confirm they go through this process and testing.
Another reason I specifically recommend Carlson fish oil/cod liver oil is that I have seen clear and often substantial improvements in my patients who use it.
For instance, the Carlson brand has helped them get high cholesterol back to appropriate levels, and it has also shown particularly positive benefits in those with rheumatoid arthritis, Raynaud's and Scleroderma. You can find the Carlson fish oil/cod liver oil in my "Recommended Products" section; your local health food store may also carry Carlson.
Related Articles:
Omega-3 is Essential to the Human BodySoon Your Beef Can be Loaded With Fish OilAre You Angry? Consider Using Cod Liver Oil
Omega-3 is Essential to the Human Body
Soon Your Beef Can be Loaded With Fish Oil
Are You Angry? Consider Using Cod Liver Oil