As given in section I, the food and nutrition board in the U.S. (2002) set an AI (acceptable intake) target of 0.7, 0.9 and 1.2 gm/day as ALA (omega-3) for children (both genders) aged 1-3, 4-8, 9-13 years, respectively.Characteristics of cognitive learning while no specific mandatory requirements for DHA or DHA/EPA was set, the board did indicate that up to 10% of the AI for ALA (omega-3) could be in the form of DHA + EPA (combined).Characteristics of cognitive learning thus, the DHA/EPA (combined) intakes for the above three groupings could be up to 70, 90, and 120 mg/day, respectively.

In 1999, the NIH workshop held in bethesda recommended that DHA + EPA (combined) for adults should represent 0.3% of daily energy with at least one-third of the mixture being DHA and one-third being EPA.Characteristics of cognitive learning if the recommendation is applied to young children consuming 1300 kcal/day (ages 2-3 yrs.) or 1800 kcal/day (ages 4-6 yrs.), the corresponding target intakes of DHA plus EPA (combined), DHA, and EPA would be at least 433, 145, and 145 mg, respectively, per day and 600, 200, and 200mg, respectively for the older children.Characteristics of cognitive learning for extrapolation to children ages 7 yrs. And over, who have daily energy intakes similar to adults, the corresponding estimated targets would be 650, 220, and 220 mg/day, respectively.Characteristics of cognitive learning

A few studies have appeared in the literature evaluating the potential effects of supplementation with omega-3 fatty acid as DHA plus EPA in children with dyslexia or ADHD (attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder).Characteristics of cognitive learning although children with ADHD have been shown to have low blood levels (both plasma and erythrocyte) of DHA, studies using supplemental DHA/EPA (combined) or DHA alone have been mixed with some studies showing moderate benefit and others showing no significant effect.Characteristics of cognitive learning A japanese study, choosing functional food sources of omega-3 fatty acid providing an average of 514 mg DHA plus 100 mg EPA per day over a two month period in children aged 6-12 yrs.Characteristics of cognitive learning with ADHD (not on medication) resulted in a significant reduction in aggression when compared to the control group. The effect of DHA/EPA-containing foods on hostility was more appreciated by parents than by teachers and the effect on physical aggression was more appreciated by teachers than by parents.Characteristics of cognitive learning the recently reported oxford-durham study from the U.K. Has had a major impact on consideration being given to the potential beneficial effects of increased intakes of DHA plus EPA on DCD/dyspraxia.Characteristics of cognitive learning in this randomized, controlled trial, 117 children (ages 5-12 yrs.) with DCD (developmental coordination disorder) were given a supplement providing 170 mg of DHA plus 558 mg of EPA for a 3 month period.Characteristics of cognitive learning it should be noted that DCD affects approximately 5% of school-aged children (including core deficits in motor function, difficulties in learning, behavior, and psychological adjustments that persist into adulthood).Characteristics of cognitive learning as compared to control (healthy) children, supplementation of the DCD children resulted in a net improvement (relative to controls) in reading age by 6 months, spelling age by 6 months, and also significant behavioral improvements (hyperactivity, inattention, anxious/shy behavior, cognitive problems, and restless-impulsive characteristics).Characteristics of cognitive learning an approximate 6 month 'catch up' in reading and spelling age was observed within 3 months of omega-3 supplementation.