Does Omega suplements really improve kid´s concentration? Anyone is using them?

Question

I´m a teacher, I have many students with concentration problems, I saw a documentary about how Omega can help them, I´ve reading about it but can´t find a good source, one of my students is taking medicine but the medicine is making him too depressed, I was thinking about talking to her mom about Omega suplememts,

Answer 1

"Yes, I give them to my daughter along with vitamin C, Vit E, magnesium, primrose oil & a good multi-vitamin. It is important to give vitamin E along with Omega 3. Her concentration has improved already, but it takes up to 6 weeks to see complete results.i had always thought that the adhd meds turned the kids into zombies,but my son is 5 and on ritalin ,he not only didn't turn into a zombie but turned into a sweet child who could once again try to do things,it is like night and day while the meds are working.i tried herbal supplements and such on him before meds but they didn't work,but its worth a try.We have tried it here and had very little benefit"

Answer 2

In my opinion, the best way to improve a child's concentration is

1>a quiet study environment (for example, NO TV),

2> minimal TV viewing in general (TV flashes on average every 3.5 secs. The AAP has learned that there is a link between ADD and TV. They now say that TV is not healthy for children under 5 years. There is a company called baby logic for those interested that makes an educational DVD specifically designed for babies that will not cause ADD. All images progress from one to another and there are no accelerated time schemes.),

3>good healthy balanced diet (limit sugar, eliminate fast food, make sure the child eats balanced meals and healthy snacks),

4>exercise

5>and regular sleep.


Also, I believe kids need to learn the value of healthy habits. I believe giving children pills, even supplements, sends the wrong message.

I have a nephew who was raised on TV and fast food. He has ADD and believes that his medications are what makes him happy. His parents are divorced. While visiting his father, my brother, he was not allowed his medications. He was so dependent on them he got upset. When asked why, he responded that he cant be happy without his medicine. This prompted a long discussion between he and his new step-mom. This incident also sent up a red flag to the rest of the family that this 10 year old boy was already on his way to a life of chemical dependancy. BTW, he's since been taken off his meds and is blossoming now.

Now, I just noticed you're a teacher. What I would suggest, first, is to send some literature home for all the children to take to their parents. Talk to the principal of your school about having a day where all the kids are taken to the auditorium and taught about the value of healthy habits: eating/ diet, sleeping, exercise, proper study environments, etc. . . .

In the case of this specific child, if it can be done without putting the parent on the defensive, ask questioins about home habits and environment, perhaps you can find the problem and suggest solutions. Is the TV on while the child studies? Does he go to bed at the same time each night, wake the same time each morning? How well is he sleeping? Does he get any exercise each day? Is he eating a sugary breakfast before school? Does the child have milk or soda to drink at lunch time? All these factors can greatly influence cognitive function and concentration.

I think we, as a society, need to get off our lazy butts, face facts, and do what needs to be done for ourselves, instead of looking for the magic beans to happiness. Short cuts only get you lost!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Answer 3

Omega fatty acids aren't going to do much for concentration and an imbalance between omega 3 and omega 5 fatty acids can make you ill. If some of your students are having concentration problems, bring it up with their parents and sugguest they take their child to the doctor, but it's not your job to be diagnosing them. They may not have slept well the previous night, their parents may have been arguing, there's a billion reasons that they may not be able to concentrate.

Answer 4

I don't let my kids use the Omega things. Eating fish is good though, I think they both have the same essentails but fish is more natural. There is also somethign called B Complex, its is good for improving concentration and other brain things.