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EFAs (essential fatty acids) are crucial for healthy growing brains and mental function. Here is straight and simple info to help you understand EFAs and how to find the ones that support children’s focus and brain function.
Douglas MacKay is a licensed naturopathic doctor who serves as Nordic Naturals Research Advisor. He is Founder of Makai Naturopathic Center in Dover, NH.
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Thanks for info about deflating flatulence when eating beans. A sprinkle of Ginger powder [added to the bowl] has been a great help to me for many years.
September 23rd, 2009 at 3:17 pm
I would like information on omega 3. For example what foods contain this other than fish. What type of vitiamn can I purchase that has omega 3 in it.
Thank you,
September 24th, 2009 at 2:42 am
Me and my son are vegetarian. We eat eggs and take flax seed oil. Does this mean that we are not getting enough of the “right” EFA’s????
September 26th, 2009 at 4:39 pm
This was enlightening for me–there’s always so much info flying around out there, it’s good to have an expert explain it all! I didn’t realize that EFAs had such an impact on a person’s brain. More nuts and oils to my diet!
October 14th, 2009 at 2:01 pm
A great reminder. I used to give my kids the Nordic Naturals for a couple of years but then stopped. I’m glad to be reminded of how important the EFA’s are.
October 14th, 2009 at 2:24 pm
Great information! My girls have nut allergies, so it is important for them to get a supplement. I Will look into Nordic Naturals. Thanks!
October 16th, 2009 at 1:13 pm
Bring on the fatty acids!
October 16th, 2009 at 4:42 pm
Great info not just for school bound kids but adults, too.
October 17th, 2009 at 9:36 am
I was wondering about a friend og mine who is vegan due to religious reasons. Her son has attention and focus issues and I’ve suggested flax and hemp oils. Is there some sort of replacement for the DHA and other EFAs that are animal based?
Otherwise, this was a very informative podcast. Thank you!
October 17th, 2009 at 9:43 am
Wonderful explanation of different EFAs. We often eat fish and have added fish oil supplement to our diet, this is a great reminder of why.
October 17th, 2009 at 9:59 am
This is such a wonderful information site! I have 2 kids in school and my oldest has had alot of concentration issues in school her Dr. put her on A.D.D. med’s and i don’t feel good about this she has dropped weight she does not need to loose and i don’t feel she should be on this medication. The omega 3’s you were discussing sounds more of what she needs to be getting because i think the med.s she’s taking is doing more harm than good.
photoquest(at)bellsouth(dot)net
October 17th, 2009 at 10:29 am
thanks for the reminders!
October 17th, 2009 at 10:39 pm
The difference between EPA, DHA, and ALA has finally clicked! Thanks!
October 18th, 2009 at 9:08 am
I knew that Omega-3s were important for brain function but had no idea they were also helpful for immunity and behavior. Thanks for the info!
October 18th, 2009 at 10:50 am
Great reminders on the importance of EFAs. It is difficult to get my children to take in the nutrients they need… Especially because of their food allergies, but also because kids tend to be picky eaters.
October 18th, 2009 at 11:04 am
I knew that Omega-3s were important for brain function but had no idea they were also helpful for immunity and behavior. Thanks for the info!
October 18th, 2009 at 11:16 am
Off to look for supplements as my son has nut allergies too. Thank you for the info.
October 18th, 2009 at 12:01 pm
Even though I have been giving fish oil supplements for years, I did not know the effect of DHA and behaviors such as enhancing concentration and focus. Will have to boost their intake, especially for my busy Grade 1 son! Great podcast!
October 18th, 2009 at 2:19 pm
Thanks for the information….
October 19th, 2009 at 8:30 am
Great info presented in a clear & concise manner. It provided lots of facts that I didn’t understand previously
October 19th, 2009 at 2:12 pm
I’m so glad to hear there are more people talking about this. We’ve become such a “fat-phobic” culture that and our kids are suffering. Thanks for a great podcast.
October 20th, 2009 at 11:11 am
Thanks for this great reminder to get enough EFAs!
October 20th, 2009 at 2:36 pm
I need to get back into getting Fish Oil for my family… I know it definitely helped in the past.
October 21st, 2009 at 8:06 am
I’ve been learning a good bit about EFA’s the last few months…this podcast was a great refresher of everything I’d heard and read!
October 23rd, 2009 at 4:49 pm
I’ve been occasionally supplementing with EFA’s, I keep falling off the bandwagon though. This has given me the push to start back to them. Thanks!
October 24th, 2009 at 6:56 pm
So glad I supplement my little guy with Fish oil…he deserves the best.
October 26th, 2009 at 9:45 am
This information will come in really handy for me to relay to my son, who is in his 4th year of college. He stresses and struggles with tests, and this info should come in handy.
October 29th, 2009 at 10:14 pm
Great information, thanks!
October 30th, 2009 at 8:47 pm