Omega-3 More Important to Girls

Association between higher consumption of Omega-3 fats and intelligence is backed up by several research findings. A new study at the University of Pittsburgh in Pennsylvania and University of California raises question that this link is stronger in girls than boys. Comparison of consumption of the omega-3 fatty acids with cognitive test scores in 4000 children revealed that omega-3s accounted for twice as much of the improvement in girls as boys. Omega-3 fats are predominantly supplied in the diet from oily fish, walnuts, flax seeds, pumpkin seeds, canola oil and soy.

Omega-3 boosts infant’s cognitive development

Omega-3 intake during the last months of pregnancy boosts an infant’s sensory, cognitive, and motor development, a new study by Université Laval revealed. Tests conducted on infants at 6 and 11 months revealed that their visual acuity as well as their cognitive and motor development were closely linked to a type of omega-3 fatty acid concentration in the umbilical cord blood at the time of their birth. Members of the research team believe, that all pregnant women should be encouraged to get sufficient amounts of omega-3s. The best sources for omega-3 fatty acids are oily fish, walnuts, flax seeds, pumpkin seeds, canola oil and soy.