ESsential Fatty Acids and brain function in children

Essential Fatty Acids, more specifically those found in Omega 3's are proven to help improve both ADD, ADHD, ASD as well as improve general anxiety, concentration, attention and brain function of both children and adults.

Flora is a well known company that produces very high quality supplements.  Their company does extensive research, which is available through their websites.  Flora makes a line of products called "Efamol" which is a line of Essential Fatty Acid supplements.  Here is the basics on Fatty acids and why they're important!
http://www.efamol.com/health-guide/importance-of-fatty-acids.php
They also have the supplement "Efalex" which is made specifically for those needing to improve brain function and concentration.

One product line that many families in Quesnel are familiar with is from Nordic Naturals.  They provide many different ways to take your Omega 3's including gummie bears, gummy worms as well as an assortment of liquids and softgels.  Their Children's DHA comes in strawberry flavored softgels which many children like to chew as a treat!  Many parents find the softgels easy for their children to take as they can be given as tasty treats.  The gummies or gummy worms, because of their form, do have a lower Omega 3 content than those of the softgels, however for a texture or taste sensitive child, this may be the only way to maintain consistency. 

Another well known product is by Natural Factors called "Learning Factors".  The Learning Factors line is developed, similar to Efamol, to help support cognitive function especially those with ADD, ADHD, and general brain function of children and teens.  Here is a description about their product line. Here also, is a specific brochure on the Learning Factors School Aid  (This is a PDF document) which shows research behind their product.

A more general product that is appropriate for all children, including those mentioned above as well as adults who need extra brain support (job stress? too many things to think about?) is a general Omega 3 supplement.  Having studied health and nutrition as a personal interest, as well as working at a local healthfood store, Green Tree Health and Wellness (250-991-0298), I generally recommend starting with 2 capsules (1000mg ea) taken twice a day for the first week or two.  Monitor you or your child's behaviour, concentration levels and general abilities to adapt to change.  If you notice  a difference within this first week or two (often a difference is noted within two to three days!)
When choosing an omega 3 supplement, make sure to go to a healthfood store and ask for a good quality oil either in capsules or liquid.  These days, fish oil no longer tastes like fish, in fact some brands such as Carlson ( who specialize in fish oil supplements) carry lemon or orange flavored capsules and liquid.  Another well known and reputable brand is Renew Life's Norweigan Gold fish oil line.  There are a range of Omega 3 supplements, whatever brand you choose, make sure that it is from a reputable company that your local healthfood store will stand behind.

If you are not sure which of the above products to start with, I always recomend starting with a general Omega 3 fish oil supplement from your local healthfood store.  If your child has ADD, ADHD (or something similar) then start with a specific formula to help give their brains a 'leg up'.  Use this product for approximately 3 months (a complete body cycle) before thinking of switching to a general Omega 3 supplement. This way, you are 'filling up the stores' of those important fatty acids that your child's brain is lacking before switching to a more general product. 

Please remember that everyone's needs and schedules are different. Consistency is key.  Whatever routine will work for both you and your child to make sure that he/she is taking them regularly will have a greater effect than taking them sporadically.