Some of the most interesting research and resources I've discovered lately are related to Mediterranean-style diets and essential fatty acids, specifically Omega-3, and children. The findings are reinforcing what we now know about healthy eating and the new dietary guidelines for children and adults.
The components of a Mediterranean-style diet are pretty simple - vegetables, fruits, whole grains, fish, low-fat dairy, nuts, olive oils. On a summer trip to Boston this year, I learned a lot about this style of eating on a wonderful Italian market tour. I've been having fun trying to incorporate Italian, Greek, and Spanish ingredients and techniques into our meals at home as I learn more about them and find good recipes and excellent ingredients.
An interesting study of children on Crete, where symptoms of asthma and allergies are rare, suggests that a Mediterranean-style diet plays a role in reducing symptoms, including allergic rhinitis. See this report on the study from the BBC.
The American Heart Association and USDA nutrition guidelines both support this style of eating for children and adults. A couple of concerns have arisen in this diet however. One is the problem of fish and mercury. While some high omega-3 fish are safe for children, the recommendation to limit potential sources of mercury in fish in children's diets conflicts with children's need for omega-3. Also, some children and adults do not effectively metabolize the essential fatty acids (ALA) derived from other diet sources.
This brings up the need for Omega-3 supplementation, which is just beginning to be studied in children. Dosage levels are not established and other problems with fish oil supplementation are inherent with children. This year, some interesting research has been published related to Omega-3 supplementation and children.
The Oxford-Durham study of Omega-3 supplementation with underachieving children found improvement in reading, spelling, and behavior for 40% of children in the study. Read about the study on these sites.
- BBC News article 'The Omega Wave'
- Durham School Research into Essential Fatty Acids
- Dr. Alex Richardson, co-investigator in the Oxford-Durham Study and author of They Are What You Feed Them, on the Food & Behaviour Research web site
Studies published this year from Harvard researchers on Omega-3 supplementation with children with Bipolar Disorder and Australian research on ADHD and Omega-3 supplements, found moderate improvement in psychiatric symptoms. Another Harvard study relates Omega-3 with blindness prevention. Read more on this research.
- ADHD Study on PubMed
- Bipolar Disorder Study on PubMed
- THE A-Zs of OMEGA-3's, article by Demitri and Janice Papolos on The Bipolar Child web site
- Boosting Omega-3 Intake May Protect Against Blindness, article in July 2007 issue of Children's News from Children's Hospital Boston
These findings are encouraging, though it may be argued not conclusive. Regardless, following a Mediterranean-style diet for your children and yourself is delicious, healthful, and fun. And, if you don't wish to risk mercury in fish in your child's diet, look into omega-3 supplementation, such as the OmegaBrite products used in the Harvard research study.
More Web Resources on Mediterranean Diet, Omega-3 and Children
- Omega-3 Fatty Acids Information from University of Maryland
- Fats and Cholesterol - The Good, The Bad, and The Healthy Diet, article from Harvard School of Public Health
- Spanish Food - A Mediterranean Diet Information from About Spanish Food
- Omega-3 Fatty Acids Ask the Expert from Harvard School of Public Medicine [PDF]
- Mediterranean Diet for Heart Health, article from Mayo Clinic (OK, skip the wine with the kids)
