Hope Springs Eternal: Give Autistic Kids a Chance With DHA

It's a cruel irony, but if there's one thing an early diagnosis of autistic spectrum disorder doesn't change, it's the uncertainty. Children symbolise hope precisely because their destinies are still fluid and malleable; so do autistic children, though in a far more brutal manner.
This article does not mean to raise false hopes, only to recognise the widely accepted consensus that we know very little about the causes of autism. In contrast, Alzheimer's disease, a common degenerative brain disorder, has at least a definitive pathology that can be confirmed (albeit only in post mortem microscopy). Those diagnosed with autism are left with empirically-established treatments, which are a fancy name for trial-and-error. To date, it consists of behavioural and rehabilitative therapy, and little else.
There just might be another possibility out there though. Preliminary reports, surfacing ever so slowly but inexorably, now seem to establish a link between omega-3 oil supplements and an improved quality of life in autistic children. This direction of research has been going on for decades, ever since low levels of omega-3 fatty acids have been associated with a wide range of neurological disorder. However, initial trials were conducted in a less-than-rigorous manner. Either they neglected to enforce a double-blind condition, which renders the results susceptible to the placebo effect, or they were done in very small scales or as case reports. Happily, new evidence have remedied these defects, and the results are still holding up.
One such trial assembled 70 six- to eleven-year-olds who were afflicted with autism, and prescribed them with a daily regime of DHA-enriched omega-3 fatty acids in the form of fish oil capsules. 30% of the exhibited significant improvements compared to the control groups: they began to make eye contact and socialized in more advanced manners. Two points were especially scintillating: the fact that improvements lasted as long as the supplements were given, and the age of the participants.
Usually, the human body copes with DHA shortages by a very inefficient conversion mechanism. However, it depletes other essential fatty acids in the process. It is conceivable that neural growth irregularities, once firmly entrenched past the age of three or so, are being continually repaired by the brain. In the process, it consumes the normally allotted quota of fatty acids, which in turn brings about a long-term omega-3 deficiency. (Of course, this is no more than a hypothesis: researchers, in a suspiciously self-rewarding consensus, agree that more research is needed before they can pinpoint the exact mechanism.)
If you are inclined to try this approach, there are a few things you should note. Dosages vary from trial to trial, but a good rule-of-thumb for toddlers is around 1000mg of omega-3 oil with a quarter of it in DHA by weight. Since they are classified as food supplements, there is strictly speaking no upper limit for fish oil consumption, and any unabsorbed remnants are simply excreted away with no side effects whatsoever.

If you're interested in reading more about the health benefits of omega 3s and fish oil supplements, feel free to visit my website where I discuss the truth about omega 3 fish oil and what I personally use to stay healthy and in shape.
You can view my website now by clicking this link: http://www.omega-3-supplement.com

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How Much Omega 3 For Youths and Children and How to Get the Maximum Benefits Safely

When it comes down to how much omega 3 for youths and younger children to give, quality is actually more important than the amount of the dose. Find out how to ensure your child gets the purest and safest dose and the correct amount.
Generally speaking, fish oils are very safe if they have been purified (distilled) and only those annoying fishy burps are likely to put your kids off!
How much omega 3 for youths and children to use with a quality supplement are as follows. It is recommended that children up to around 7-8 years old have one 1000mg supplement a day, while older children and youths can take two.
What is extremely important is that the oil is proven to be pure or has been molecularly distilled. This process separates out the oils from the toxins like lead and mercury which can result in long term health problems as they are stored in the body.
This is because children's defense systems are still developing and they are not able to process these toxins efficiently and so it can be storing up problems for the future.
Getting the right oil can deliver benefits like improved comprehension, better vocabulary, improved IQ and better coordination. For those with autism or ADHD they have shown to have particular beneficial effects and help to normalize their behavior and improve their concentration.
I personally give my son, who has mild autism, one 1000mg capsule a day and have seen significant improvements over the last three months. As he cannot swallow them, I cut them open and pour the contents into his morning juice.
You should avoid cod liver oil because it contains only small amounts of useful omega 3 fatty acids and also high amounts of vitamin A, which can be toxic in high amounts.
You should also avoid oils especially for kids as they tend to contain sweeteners, colorings and additives that are unnecessary.
The best oils come from the whole fish like Hoki, Tuna and Salmon which contain the essential omega 3 fats DHA and EPA. If you want the full benefits for your children, then you want as much DHA as possible as this is responsible for most of the rewards.
I would recommend to get at least 250mg of DHA in each capsule and you should see improvements within weeks.
It is important to remember that these natural oils can also help with your health and well-being too, reducing the risk of a heart attack or stroke, ensuring correct brain health and helping to cure age related eye disease among others!
Now you know how much omega 3 for youths and younger children to give, you can introduce the right supplements knowing that they will be pure and safe and give lasting benefits.

Discover the best omega-3 fish oil for children available today.
Rich Hawkins is a dedicated researcher of the amazing health benefits of quality fish oil. Take a moment to visit his site now at www.best-omega-3-supplement.com and discover the latest DHA omega 3 supplements that he recommends after extensive research.

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