These days many of us are working hard to cut fat from our diets. Recent research is showing that in actuality, not all fats are bad. We need essential fatty acids (EFA) and many of us are deficient in them. Essential fatty acids help us develop immunities and improve brain function. If we don't take in enough of them we (especially children) can end up with poor concentration, hyperactivity, dyslexia, and trouble with coordination. If your child is experiencing any of these problems, you may need only to supplement his essential fatty acid intake to improve his ability to function.

EFA deficiencies, which are very common, can also cause problems such as eczema, dry skin, dandruff and excessive thirst.

The two main types of EFAs are: the Omega 6 series, found in evening primrose oil and starflower oil, and the Omega 3 series, found in oily fish like sardines, herring, and trout. Some nuts also contain them. The Omega 6 series affect our immune systems. Women who use evening primrose oil find that it helps with pre-menstrual symptoms.

The Omega 3 series are missing from much of our daily diet. DHA is one of two oils that are the most important in this series. It makes up as much as 20% of the dry weight of our brains. It's a major building block of the brain, and therefore is essential to the development of unborn and young children's brains. Sadly, DHA is hardly ever included in infant formulas.

The other, EPA, is the one that is crucial for brain functioning. To make full use of it we also need to get enough of vitamins B6, C, and zinc. Unfortunately, not only is our diet desperately short of these essential nutrients, some of the processed foods we eat, such as margarine, actually interfere with their use!

You may consider increasing amount of omega 3 oils in the diet of children, especially if they show symptoms of EFA deficiency or are struggling at school. The best way to do this add more fish to their diet. Unfortunately, it seems that fish stocks are suffering at the hands of pollution, so this may be rather risky. Perhaps a better option is to intorduce a high quality supplement. These supplements are not excessively expensive, and are available in all good chemists and health food shops.

What should you look for?

Aim for a daily intake of 1/2 to 1g of EPA . This will normally require a daily total of about 1 - 3g of fish oil. Avoid fish (cod) liver oils - they are too high in vitamin A

Also use a general vitamin and mineral supplement, or look for brands that include vitamins B6 (30 mg/day) and zinc (15mg a day) with the oil (e.g. Cardioace).

Buy capsules rather than bottles of oil as they stay fresh longer. Be sure to look for vitamin E as a preservative.

Use a well-known, quality brand, made from wild ocean fish, rather than those from fish farms.

Take them daily for 3 months. If after that there is no noticeable improvement, then you can stop the experiment. Very occasionally the oils might give some problems with loose bowels but otherwise are quite safe. Obviously if your child has any specific medical conditions, especially problems with metabolism, you would be wise to consult your doctor first.