Lee Swanson Research Update

Fatty Acids May Help Children With Developmental Coordination Disorder

August 2005

DCD

Developmental Coordination Disorder (DCD) affects about five percent of school-aged children. DCD is commonly associated with difficulties in learning, behavior and psychosocial adjustment that persist into adulthood. Mounting evidence suggests that a relative lack of certain polyunsaturated fatty acids may contribute to related neurodevelopmental and psychiatric disorders such as dyslexia and attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder.

A study was developed to investigate the effects of essential fatty acid (EFA) supplementation on DCD. Researchers studied 117 children with DCD between 5 and 12 years of age. They were randomly assigned to receive dietary supplements with omega-3 and omega-6 fatty acids or placebo. After three months of treatment, the placebo group crossed over to active treatment for an additional three months.

Study results reported significant improvements in the active treatment group versus placebo group in reading, spelling and behavior. After the placebo group crossed over to fatty acid supplementation, improvements similar to the first group were reported, and the children still in active treatment maintained or improved their progress.

Researchers concluded that EFA supplementation may offer a safe, efficacious treatment option for children with education and behavioral problems associated with DCD.

Pediatrics 115(5):1360-1366, 2005

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