Omega-3's have already been shown to be directly involved with the development and overall function of the brain. Since the link between omega-3 fatty acids and brain development are so apparent, studies have been conducted to connect possible issues that could occur when omega-3 concentrations are insufficient. There has been evidence to suggest that deficiencies or metabolic imbalances between these fatty acids, might be associated with childhood development and psychiatric disorders, including attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD).⁸

An article published in 2005, involving omega-3 and omega-6 supplementation in schoolchildren with developmental coordination disorder (many with ADHD symptoms), showed improved scores in short-term memory tests and coordination. ⁹ Another study performed in 2003, documented an improvement in disruptive disorders with EPA supplementation and the link between DHA supplementation and neurodevelopment has already been well established. ^9-10 All articles concluded that a known connection between low omega-3 concentrations in the brain and the occurrence of ADHD and other disruptive disorders are prevalent, but more studies are needed in the future.

A study performed at the Institute of Respiratory Medicine in Sydney, Australia, looked at the effects of omega-3 fatty acid supplementation in children with asthma. A questionnaire was sent to over 500 children that requested information about the frequency of asthma-like symptoms, such as, wheezing , airway hyper-responsiveness during exercise, and atopy (an allergy that predisposes individuals to allergic reactions). ¹¹ Subjects were given oily fish once per week during the study and at the end, over 80% of the children displayed reductions in all three asthma-like symptoms. ¹¹

Omega-3 Fatty Acids and Diabetes

Unfortunately, the prevalence of type 2 diabetes have been increasing exponentially over the past years. According to a survey conducted in 2007, over 18.2 million Americans have type 2 diabetes, with nearly 210,000 of that statistic being adolescences. ¹⁴ The blame can be placed on American’s consumption of processed foods that are loaded with high fructose corn-syrup, the carbohydrate equivalent to trans-fatty acids, and other "quick and convenient" foods that are practically devoid of any nutritional value. The result of years of consuming these types of foods are soaring insulin levels, along with the improper utilization of insulin in the body. Many studies have found that omega-3's can help alleviate many of these problems, as a preventative measure, as well as, a method of treatment. ^12-13

A double-blind, placebo controlled study involving 50 patients with type-2 diabetes, were randomized to take either 2 grams of fish oil per day or a placebo, for a period of 10 weeks. At the end of the study, patients that took the fish oil showed significant improvements in controlling hyperlipidemia and glycemic control, while the placebo group showed no improvement. ¹² Another study looked at the long-term effects of fish supplementation on insulin resistance and plasma lipoproteins in patients with hypercholesterolemia. At the end of the study, the patients displayed a reduction in plasma triglycerides, VLDL triglycerides, a significant enrichment in the erythrocyte phospholipid content of long-chain omega-3 fatty acids, without deteriorating blood glucose control. ¹³ This means that the patients showed substantial improvements by lowering elevated cholesterol levels, as well as, improving insulin control.