What is an Essential fatty acid deficiency?
Symptoms and difficulties can arise from a deficiency of essential fatty acids, and are sometimes associated with dyslexia, dyspraxia, visual difficulties, attentional difficulties and the autistic spectrum. Fatty acid deficiencies appear to affect a range of conditions: attention, literacy, coordination and immune deficiency. These deficiencies can be helped by a course of fatty acid supplements (e.g. Efalex and EyeQ are both available from UK dispensing chemists at the time of writing). A course of dietary supplements can sometimes make a significant difference to some of these conditions, though not always. As long as the stated dose is kept to, however, no harm can come of a trial period (usually 12 weeks are needed to be sure whether or not there will be improvements). There is no direct action to be taken by the school, except to encourage the family to undertake a trial, and to monitor the pupil for any changes. A double dosage is recommended for 12 weeks to build up the level o
