ESSENTIAL FATS, CARNITINE AND PHOSPHOLIPIDS – VITAL NUTRIENTS FOR DEVELOPMENT Dr. Sonya Doherty, ND Doctor of Naturopathic Medicine www.treatadhd.ca
ESSENTIAL FATTY ACID BASICS
Omega 3
Omega 6
Omega 9
Omega 3 & 6 are essential - needed in a 2:1 ratio
Proper ratio provides anti-inflammatory effects
The North American Diet 1:10 or 1:25
FUNCTION OF EFAS
Formation of healthy cell membranes
Proper development and functioning of the brain and nervous system
Production of hormone-like substances called Eicosanoids: •THROMBOXANES •LEUKOTRIENES •PROSTAGLANDINS
Responsible for regulating blood pressure, blood viscosity, vasoconstriction, immune and inflammatory responses
Children
with developmental issues like ADHD, ASD, LDs, TS and OCD have deficiencies in omega-3 and omega-6 fatty acids
BENEFITS OF OMEGA-3S
Includes ALA (Alpha Linolenic Acid), EPA (eicosapentaenoic acid) and DHA (docosahexaenoic acid) EPA and DHA crucial for fetal DEVELOPMENT of brain, nervous system, skin, digestion and immune function Pregnant and breastfeeding mothers should be supplementing with EPA and DHA Omega-3’s are found primarily in cold-water fish like mackerel, salmon, lake trout, herring and sardines Is fish the answer? The EPA estimates that 1.17 million women of childbearing age eat enough mercury contaminated fish to damage a fetus
SHOULD WE SUPPLEMENT?
Need for DHA rises dramatically in the 3rd trimester In animals whose brain concentrations of DHA were severely reduced, dietary supplementation with DHA restored control performance levels Studies with human infants suggest supplementation with DHA by boosting maternal levels enhances neuromotor development Application of a wide range of tests yielded a positive association between breastfeeding and infant mental performance – EFAs in breastmilk
OMEGA-3S AND DEVELOPMENT
Omega-3 fatty acids have been clinically proven to dramatically improve attention, focus, reading skills, math skills and behaviour Many studies indicate the shift away from omega 3 essential fatty acids has brought about an increased risk of inflammation associated with autoimmunity, allergy and developmental issues Gene expression is altered by EFAs to shift toward anti-inflammatory pathways
OMEGA-3’S – MORE BENEFITS
Lower PG2s - Anti-inflammatory
Lower triglyceride and cholesterol levels
Cancer prevention
Increase insulin sensitivity
Enhance thermogenesis and lipid metabolism – INCREASE METABOLISM
Benefits vision and brain function
Decrease Skin inflammation
Inhibit platelet adhesion
OMEGA-6
There are several different types
GLA (Gamma Linolenic Acid) is the most well known
GLA produces hormone-like substances (eicosanoids) that regulate inflammation and support healthy hormones The best-known natural sources are borage seed oil, pumpkin seeds, sunflowers and evening primrose oil
OMEGA-6
Much of the GLA is converted to a substance called DGLA - fights inflammation GLA
DGLA requires nutrients in the body
Magnesium, zinc, and vitamins C, B3, and B6 help promote the conversion – guess which vitamins are low in children with AD/HD, OCD, Anxiety, TS and ASD? EPA and DGLA work together and combine to produce more anti-inflammatory benefits
B VITAMINS
Research shows children with developmental concerns are relatively deficient in B vitamins B vitamins are needed to make serotonin, dopamine, GABA and other brain chemicals B vitamins are needed to make carnitine B vitamins are needed to convert essential fatty acids to active form – EPA, DHA and GLA
CARNITINE
Carnitine is the shuttle for EFA’s into the cell
Vitamin C, B6 and Iron are needed to synthesize
These nutrients have been found to be deficient in children with AD/HD Relative carnitine deficiency has been identified in children diagnosed with ADHD and ASD
PHOSPHOLIPIDS
Make up cell membranes and impact every aspect of cellular function Functions include:
Indispensable molecular building block for all cells Cholesterol Regulation Chemical messenging Digestive aid Support for healthy lung and kidney function
PHOSPHOLIPID BILAYER – CELL MEMBRANE
PHOSPHATIDYLSERINE (PS)
PS is clinically proven to benefit range of brain functions
Biological substance and building block all the cells
Occurs in higher concentrations in the brain
Key constituent of nerve cells
Packages NT for release and their action via receptors synaptic junctions PS energizes the human brain
PHOSPHATIDYLSERINE (PS)
Deeply involved in the production of neurotransmitters (dopamine, serotonin, GABA, norepinephrine) In a physician clinical study of 21 consecutive ADHD cases aged 4-19, dietary supplementation with PS benefited greater than 90 percent of the cases At intakes of 200-300 mg/day of PS for up to four months, attention and learning were most consistently improved PS is considered extremely safe for all ages
PHOSPHATIDYLSERINE (PS) PS improves functioning of key neurotransmitters like serotonin, dopamine, GABA and norepinephrine
Serotonin
Dopamine
Learning
Brain Function
Sleep
Processing of info
Memory
Sensitivity
Noise Sensitivity
Perception of change transitions
Behaviour
Relaying info
Appetite
Emotional Responses
Language
Focus and Attention
PS CLINICAL BENEFITS
PS improves memory, learning and other cognitive functions
PS can improve memory
PS can improve mood
PS helps individuals cope with emotional and physical stress PS helps with focus and attention
GLYCEROPHOSPHOCHOLINE (GPC)
Unique for total presence in the water phase - Cytoplasm
Highly protective to our cells, tissues and organs
Rare molecular structure – positive and negative charged molecule called ZWITTERIONIC
Readily available source of choline which is important for the brain in every stage of life – pregnant rats that consume choline have pups with superior brain power throughout life
Elevates brain acetylcholine (Ach) a key chemical messenger and nerve transmitter, crucial for mental clarity
Highly effective raw material for cell growth and expansion
GLYCEROPHOSPHOCHOLINE - GPC
GPC is a nutrient that occurs naturally in the human body GPC is safe for all ages GPC is particularly helpful for mental performance, attention, concentration and memory formation GPC helps the mind coordinate with the rest of the organs in the body
SUMMARY
Essential Fatty Acids, especially Omega-3’s, are crucial to support development Carnitine shuttles essential fatty acids into cells Phopholipids make up cell membranes and have a profound effect on cognitive function PS is used to support mood, memory, stress and focus GPC is used to protect the brain and improve cognitive performance
FOR MORE INFORMATION
www.treatadhd.ca
www.dockidd.com
www.phospholipidsonline.com
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