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Paediatric Nutrition |
Medical conference organised by the McCarrison Society and the Institute of Brain Chemistry and Human Nutrition.
September 2009 – London, Report by David Marsh |
Omega 3 and the brain However, providing DHA enhanced cell migration. This may explain why diets poor in omega 3-rich seafood appear to lead to poor cognitive development and behavioural disorders in the new born. Metabolic disease Dr Martinez then showed pictures of these babies, now bright and healthy, after two, three and four months of caring treatment with high levels (200mg per day) of the essential fatty acid, DHA. Cystic fibrosis and PKU Pre-conceptual nutrition He highlighted the importance of both nutritional and emotional environment on the development of the brain in particular, suggesting that modern mass produced foods and chemical pollution can seriously distort our epigenetics and physiology. Autism and omega 3s She used case histories to illustrate the success of omega 3 DHA and EPA supplementation in violent and disruptive autistic boys. She also described some double-blind trials with promising results. ADHD, dyslexia and omega 3 She pointed out that DHA was used structurally (to build brains) and EPA functionally (to make then work properly). EPA was particularly important in allowing cells to communicate eg in signalling. She also showed how dietary changes within the family markedly improved the behaviour, happiness and intellectual achievements of these children. Dr Gesch pointed out that although the brain was only 2% of the body it consumed 20% of its energy. The foetal brain, however, consumes 70% of the energy available while 12% goes into cardiac output. Ethics Several unfortunate incidents have illustrated the dangers of using adult data in the treatment of children and therefore the importance of research on children. Children are not small adults. First published in 2009 Back to top |