Fishing for your brain

If you needed convincing on the merits of serving fish to your child,

this study may change your mind. When scientists looked at teenag-

ers who ate fish more than once a week, they found that these stu-

dents had a much higher IQ score than their peers who ate fish only

once a week (see Chapters 6 and 7 for more on IQ tests).

How do omega-3 fatty acids help your child’s brain? Docosahexaenoic

acid (DHA) and eicosapentaenoic acid (EPA) are polyunsaturated

fatty acids of the omega-3 family. Your body can’t make these

essential nutrients, so you must obtain them from the food you

eat. DHA is a major building block of the brain, as well as the ner-

vous system. A lack of omega-3 fatty acids leads to a range of cog-

nitive problems in childhood, including learning difficulties, poor

memory, and lack of concentration.

Scientists are debating whether fish oil supplements can provide

the same benefits. Some studies show that children who receive

fish oils in supplement form show more brain activity in areas

linked to attention compared to those who receive a placebo.

Be careful of the supplement and only buy from a trusted source. If

you’d rather not use supplements, then give your child one serving

of oily fish a week to see benefits

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