Dyslexia in adults is associated with clinical signs of fatty acid deficiency

doi:10.1054/plef.2000.0195

Prostaglandins, Leukotrienes and Essential Fatty Acids (PLEFA)

Volume 63, Issues 1–2, July 2000, Pages 75-78

https://doi.org/10.1054/plef.2000.0195 Get rights and content

Abstract

Developmental dyslexia is a complex syndrome whose exact cause remains unknown. It has been suggested that a problem with fatty acid metabolism may play a role, particularly in relation to the visual symptoms exhibited by many dyslexics. We explored this possibility using two self-report questionnaires, designed on the basis of clinical experience, to assess (1) clinical signs of fatty acid deficiency; and (2) symptoms associated with dyslexia in known dyslexic and non-dyslexic subjects. Dyslexic signs and symptoms included the auditory-linguistic and spoken language difficulties traditionally associated with the disorder, as well as visual problems (both with reading and more generally) and motor problems.

Fatty acid deficiency signs were significantly elevated in dyslexic subjects relative to controls, particularly within males (P<0.001). In addition, the severity of these clinical signs of fatty acid deficiency was strongly correlated with the severity of dyslexic signs and symptoms not only in the visual domain, but also with respect to auditory, linguistic and motor problems. The pattern of relationships differed somewhat between dyslexic and control groups, and sex differences were also observed. Our findings support the hypothesis that fatty acid metabolism may be abnormal in developmental dyslexia, and indicate the need for further studies using more objective measures.

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The association of fatty acid deficiency symptoms (FADS) with actual essential fatty acid status in cheek cells
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Colquhoun and Bunday [15] reported an increased prevalence of atopic disorders and heightened thirst in hyperactive boys, with anecdotal reports of reduced hyperactive behaviour with evening primrose oil supplementation. Subsequent studies have reported heightened physical symptoms postulated to be indicative of EFA deficiency in children and adults with ADHD [16,17], dyslexia [18–20] and ASD [7,21]. Higher frequencies of coughs, colds and infections have been reported in children with ADHD in comparison to controls [4,5,15,17].
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The severity of reported FADS was not related to the levels of omega-6 or omega-3 in buccal cell samples. There was a relationship between parental reports of child behaviour and reported FADS; with high FADS being related to higher ratings of behaviour problems. Using FADS as a marker of PUFA deficiency may not be appropriate especially when assessing typically developing children.
Childrens' learning and behaviour and the association with cheek cell polyunsaturated fatty acid levels
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Increasing interest in the role of omega-3 fatty acids in relation to neurodevelopmental disorders (e.g. ADHD, dyslexia, autism) has occurred as a consequence of some international studies highlighting this link. In particular, some studies have shown that children with ADHD may have lower concentrations of polyunsaturated fatty acids (PUFAs), particularly omega-3, in their red blood cells and plasma, and that supplementation with omega-3 fatty acids may alleviate behavioural symptoms in this population. However, in order to compare levels it seems appropriate to establish fatty acid levels in a mainstream school aged population and if levels relate to learning and behaviour. To date no study has established this. For this study, cheek cell samples from 411 typically developing school children were collected and analysed for PUFA content, in order to establish the range in this population. In addition, measures of general classroom attention and behaviour were assessed in these children by teachers and parents. Cognitive performance tests were also administered in order to explore whether an association between behaviour and/or cognitive performance and PUFA levels exists. Relationships between PUFA levels and socio-economic status were also explored. Measures of reading, spelling and intelligence did not show any association with PUFA levels, but some associations were noted with the level of omega-3 fatty acids and teacher and parental reports of behaviour, with some evidence that higher omega-3 levels were associated with decreased levels of inattention, hyperactivity, emotional and conduct difficulties and increased levels of prosocial behaviour. These findings are discussed in relation to previous findings from omega-3 supplementation studies with children.
A meta-analysis of blood fatty acids in people with learning disorders with particular interest in arachidonic acid
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Citation Excerpt :
During the last two decades over a dozen published population studies have shown that people with learning disorders including attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD), dyslexia and autism either have signs of essential fatty acid (EFA) deficiency including dry skin, hair and nails, and frequent thirst and urination [1–3] or they have lower than normal blood concentrations of docosahexaenoic acid (DHA) and to a lesser extent arachidonic acid (AA) based on area % measurements [4–14].
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Project DyAdd: Fatty acids in adult dyslexia, ADHD, and their comorbid combination
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In project DyAdd, we compared the fatty acid (FA) profiles of serum phospholipids in adults with attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) (n=26), dyslexia (n=36), their comorbid combination (n=9), and healthy controls (n=36). FA proportions were analyzed in a 2×2 design with Bonferroni corrected post hoc comparisons. A questionnaire was used to assess dietary fat quality and use of supplements. Results showed that ADHD and dyslexia were not associated with total saturated FAs, monounsaturated FAs, or n-3 polyunsaturated FAs (PUFAs). However, those with ADHD had elevated proportions of total n-6 PUFAs (including γ-linolenic and adrenic acids) as compared to those without ADHD. Dyslexia was related to a higher proportion of monounsaturated nervonic acid and a higher ratio of n-6/n-3 PUFAs. Among females none of the associations were significant. However in males, all the original associations observed in all subjects remained and ADHD was associated with elevated nervonic acid and n-6/n-3 PUFA ratio like dyslexia. Controlling for poorly diagnosed reading difficulties, education, dietary fat quality, or use of FA supplements did not generally remove the originally observed associations.

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^f1: Correspondence to: Dr A.J. Richardson, University Laboratory of Physiology, Parks Road, Oxford OX1 3PT, UK Tel.: +44 (0) 1865 513433; Fax: +44 (0) 1865 438 304; E-mail: [email protected]

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Regular ArticleDyslexia in adults is associated with clinical signs of fatty acid deficiency

Abstract

Med Hypotheses

Lancet

Am J Clin Nutr

J Nutr

Prostaglandins Leukot Essent Fatty Acids

A biochemical approach to the problem of dyslexia

J Learning Disabilities

Abnormal cerebral phospholipid metabolism in dyslexia indicated by phosphorus-31 magnetic resonance spectroscopy

NMR Biomed

Regular Article
Dyslexia in adults is associated with clinical signs of fatty acid deficiency