What are Fatty acids and how can they help

1.children suffer from a deficiency of essential fatty acids.
"The HCSG in England have collected a lot of evidence that suggests that many hyperactive (hyper-kinetic, minimal brain dysfunction) children suffer from a deficiency of essential fatty acids. This may be due to a partial inability to from GLA or to a defect in absorption of fatty acids. Interestingly the majority of such children also have asthma, eczema or allergies. 
In some, but not all children, the results obtained by rubbing the oil into the skin seem to be much better than giving it in the mouth." 
"A number of nutrients are known to be important in the proper use of essential fatty acids by the body. They include magnesium, Vitamin B6, vitamin B3 (niacin) vitamin E and Selenium. Two in particular, however are zinc and vitamin C. Research in the last 3 years has shown that both of these are essential for the formation of PGE1 from DGLA." 
(at this point the article got very technical!) 

2.A whole series of co-factors,
"A whole series of co-factors, including magnesium, biotin, nicotinic acid, Vitamin B6, zinc and ascorbic acid are required for the normal metabolism of Linoleic acid "(fatty acid). 
"All these nutrients must be present in adequate amounts if essential fatty acids are going to have their expected results. In the context of EFAs and immune responses it is most likely that zinc, Vitamin C and B6 are of particular importance. 
Zinc is an important trace element needed for enzyme activity. Symptoms associated with Zinc deficiency include reduced taste sensation, lack of appetite, and also white spots or bands on the fingernails. 
Vitamin C deficiency leads to major suppression of normal immune function. Vitamin C is very important in all areas of the body. 
Vitamin B6 tends to raise serotonin levels. Deficiency can cause tension, irritability, insomnia, and nervousness. All B Vitamins are important for the nervous system. 
Magnesium is a mineral that helps to utilise the vitamin B complex and along with Vitamins C and E. It has a quieting effect of the nervous system. 
An integrated approach to good nutrition, with particular emphasis on these, is likely to lead to optimal results from EFA supplementation." 
From the HACGS Journal No 57. 

3. the child with ADHD is usually very metabolically disadvantaged
"Dr Chris Reading is a well-respected orthomolecular psychiatrist and consultant in Australia. He says, " the child with ADHD is usually very metabolically disadvantaged with low vitamins, amino acids, minerals and a high level of toxic and heavy metals." 
They may also have delayed reactions to food and chemical sensitivities as shown on the cytotoxic test, and often immediate reactions to foods and inhalant allergens." 
"many have sever food and chemical sensitivities to cow's milk, gluten-containing grains, legumes and beans- all of which can cause severe malabsorption state and flat gut villi and thus low vitamins, minerals and amino acids. 
In tests 500 samples of ADHD hair/urine/serum have shown low levels of iron and zinc and high levels of aluminium and lead (UK 1994). Tartrazine (102) and Sunset Yellow (110) colouring cause serum zinc to fall and urinary zinc to increase in hyperactive children. In the normal control group, results were different. 
It is alarming that full investigative pathology is not routinely ordered for ADHD. Instead we see the drug Ritalin increasingly prescribed as the only resort. Ritalin suppresses some of the symptoms but does not rectify basic dysfunctioning body chemistry, which is causing them. (Essential Fatty Acids help) 
Without investigative pathology there is a possibility that the child who does not have ADHD will be given medication. When a child arrives at teenage and puberty, symptoms may become more serious and depression may arise. Investigation does appear to be the most sensible procedure. 
As we see that ADHD is not the end of the diagnosis- it is the beginning. The first step a worried parent can take is to arrange for a metabolic profile on the child- whose very future could be at stake. 
Dr Chris Reading B.Sc, Dip. Ag. Sci, MB, BS, FRANZCP" 
(from the SOMA Newsletter Vol 19 No 3 January 1998.) 

                 "Striking results from a major ongoing research programme on Dyslexia. 
                 Dyspraxia and Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD) show that 
                 lipid (fat) supplementation can make a child less clumsy and more able to catch a 
                 ball within 12 weeks These findings are supported by observations from 
                 leading UK medical research centres indicating unusual brain lipid 
                 biochemistry in people with Dyslexia. 

                 Dyslexia, Dyspraxia and ADHD are closely associated. Some children have 
                 only one of these disorders but many have two or all three leading to 
                 problems, which are extremely distressing both for the child and his or her 
                 parents. Such problems often lead to disruptive behaviour and school failure. 

(Now does that sound familiar?) 

An abnormal EFA metabolism could explain the unusual preponderance of allergic and autoimmune problems in dyslexics and their relatives as EFAs can affect immune function. 
Although measuring EFA levels in blood provides some evidence that dietary supplementation pumps more fatty acids into the body, brain scans can show what is actually happening in the brain. Dr Alex 
Richardson, from Oxford University and Charing Cross and Westminister Medical School in London will use adult volunteers rather than children because it is easier to measure the results of brain scans in adults. 
Each volunteer will be scanned to investigate their metabolism both before and after they have been given several months of dietary supplementation. 

Senior research fellow Dr Basant Puri has already used the scanning technique at the Royal Postgraduate Medical School at Hammersmith Hospital, London, to demonstrate an unusual fatty acid biochemistry in the brains of those people with dyslexia." Such people have problems 
manufacturing membranes in the brain," he said. "A small genetic difference may be responsible - dyslexia is known to run in families - which could be remedied by adding certain fatty acids to the diet," he added. 

The study will add more information to an ongoing research programme aimed at helping children with dyslexia, dyspraxia and ADHD. 

                 The body may be able to make its own AA from linolenic acid (LA) found in 
                 vegetable oils and DHA from alpha-linolenic acid (ALA) found in dark green 
                 vegetables. However there are times when the body's ability to do this may be 
                 reduced. Moreover, certain dietary and lifestyle factors such as excess 
                 saturated fat, alcohol, viral infections and stress can (block the natural 
                 conversion processes) with the result that not all diets ensure an adequate 
                 supply at all times. 

                 Can't People just eat more oily fish? 
                 Oily fish does provide DHA but you would have to eat large quantities 
                 frequently to provide the amounts needed. Furthermore oily fish does not 
                 provide the AA and DGLA needed. 
Can you recognize lots and lots of similar behaviour in all those notes to what you have experienced and shared with us.? 
The best thing about fatty acids are they are natural, they help the body help itself, and all the effects are positive. 

Flax Seed Oil Your body cannot manufacture the essential fatty acids (EFAs) for proper blood flow, and if you're like most, you don't get enough from your diet. Luckily, there's flax seed oil--a rich source of omega-3 EFAs that help balance the "good" fats for healthy blood cells and blood flow. Flax Seed Oil provides: Nutrients which help maintain healthy blood cholesterol and trigylceride levels for proper fat metabolism. Abundant omega-3 EFAs for improved blood flow, reduced blood "thickness," and healthy blood pressure. A vegetarian alternative to fish oil capsules for omega-3 EFAs.

He owns a heavy machinery contracting business, digging irrigation systems, and logging and he got very angry very fast with his customers.Because of this his business was small and he spent many hours on the phone ranting to his clients. 

His son then told him about a nutrient that was helping him. Steve had found essential fatty acids and convinced Bill to try them. Bill noticeda little difference and took EFA's for several years He trialled the Essential Fatty Acids  He had added a adults multi nutrient  to his daily intake and was feeling better than he has in 54 years! 

That was over a year ago, and Bill calls in with his wife Grace to see us regularly. He actually popped in last night so we thought it was an ideal time to question him for you on what differences the 2 supplements had made to him. 
"He's a completely different person", Grace jumped in first," not the same man as he was, last year." 
"How Bill?" we asked. 
Bill rolled his eyes and said," Well first of all my brain is so clear. I feel as if I can conquer the world and I can think straight. I feel as if I can do anything and my days are really full. Take Friday" he continued," We were up at 6am, did what had to be done and then off to 
fix the hydraulics on the new logger, and a day in the digger. Home for dinner and helped Grace pack the blueberries until midnight" 

Last week Bill read a 200 page non-fiction book for the first time in his life and said,"Usually I read a few pages and go to sleep as the words don't make sense. Now it all makes sense and I can read for 3 hours straight. I'm feeling good about myself and I'll never, ever stop 
taking that the supplements. I am more rational, I don't get angry any more and my business had doubled as I can be more reasonable with my clients." 
"So Bill, is there anything else you would recommend to help? 
Definitely" he was quick to answer," Primrose Oil! I was told by my health professional that I needed that as well." 
"Do you know why you need that as well as the fatty acids? " 
I had to know. 
"I have no idea, " Bill answered, 
 " OK I'll ask the IDN company scientists. They are nutritional graduates" I replied. 
"Where do you buy the Primrose Oil, any brand, any special ingredients?" 
Grace is obviously the shopper in the house as she answered, " Make sure the Primrose Oil is pure, with no added ingredients, as you don't need any of the extra in some brands, as they are already in the other two supplements We both take 1 in the morning and 1 at night." 
"So Grace, you take these too?" 
" Absolutely", she said, "Although I'm not ADHD,they have solved a lot of my health problems.