SFI Health™ EMEA Announces Publication of Promising New Research Linking Long-Chain Polyunsaturated Fatty Acids to Improvements in Reading and Writing Abilities in Children
SFI Health™ EMEA, the regional division of SFI Health a global leader in science-based natural healthcare—has announced the publication of important new research in Biomedicine. The study, conducted by the esteemed Italian research institute “IRCCS Eugenio Medea” of the “La Nostra Famiglia” association, explores how long-chain polyunsaturated fatty acids (LCPUFAs) may influence key neurocognitive functions that support children’s reading and writing development. This investigator-initiated trial forms a key component of a broader, multi-year research project examining whether supplementation with omega-3 and omega-6 LCPUFAs can enhance the benefits of neuropsychological treatments in children diagnosed with developmental dyslexia (DD).
Understanding LCPUFAs and Their Role in Brain Function
LCPUFAs—particularly omega-3 fatty acids such as eicosapentaenoic acid (EPA) and docosahexaenoic acid (DHA)—are essential nutrients known to play an important role in brain development and cognitive function. These fatty acids contribute to several critical neurological processes, including the regulation of neuroinflammation, microglial functioning, neuronal communication, and synaptic plasticity. Together, these mechanisms support learning, memory formation, and the development of language skills in children.
In previous studies, children with developmental dyslexia were often found to have notably lower concentrations of omega-3 fatty acids in their blood. These deficiencies have been associated with challenges in several learning-related abilities, including slower reading, reduced accuracy, and frequent difficulties with writing tasks. Such findings have prompted researchers to investigate whether restoring healthy levels of these fatty acids might assist in improving literacy outcomes.
Aim of the Study
The newly published study sought to examine the underlying neurocognitive pathways that mediate the relationship between omega-3 LCPUFA levels and literacy performance in children. Rather than simply evaluating whether higher levels of EPA or DHA were associated with improved reading and writing, the researchers explored how these fatty acids influence specific cognitive systems that contribute to literacy development.
To achieve this, the research team focused on three broad neurocognitive function groups:
- Auditory-Phonological (AP) Processing – crucial for decoding sounds, forming phonemes, and linking spoken language to written text.
- Visual-Perceptual (VP) Processing – supporting the recognition of letters, word forms, and visual symbols.
- Visual-Attentional (VA) Processing – involved in scanning text, maintaining visual attention across lines, and managing eye movements during reading.
By examining how these cognitive systems interact with fatty acid levels, the study offers deeper insight into how dietary components may influence learning-related brain mechanisms.
Study Design and Participant Profile
The trial included seventy-four school-aged children, representing a spectrum of literacy abilities ranging from typically developing readers to those with clinically diagnosed developmental dyslexia. Each child underwent a comprehensive neuropsychological assessment structured to evaluate multiple aspects of cognitive functioning.
The assessment included:
- Standardized reading and writing tests
- Tasks measuring auditory and visual processing
- Activities evaluating magnocellular system functioning (involved in motion detection and visual timing)
- Phonological awareness tasks
- Attention and executive functioning assessments
This broad evaluation provided a rich dataset enabling researchers to explore the interplay between fatty acid levels and cognitive function from several angles.
Key Findings
The results revealed several notable relationships between LCPUFA levels and children’s performance across reading, writing, and cognitive domains. Among the most important findings were the following:
1. Strong Correlations Between Omega-3 LCPUFAs and Literacy Performance
Higher levels of omega-3 LCPUFAs—especially EPA and DHA—were significantly associated with improved reading and writing abilities. Children with more robust concentrations of these fatty acids generally demonstrated stronger literacy performance, regardless of whether they were typically developing readers or diagnosed with dyslexia.
2. Identification of Three Key Cognitive Mediators
Analysis of the neuropsychological data confirmed that three cognitive factors—AP, VP, and VA—played mediating roles in the relationship between fatty acid levels and literacy skills. This means that omega-3 fatty acids influence these cognitive systems, which in turn affect reading and writing performance.
3. Auditory-Phonological Processing as a Major Mediator
The study found particularly strong evidence that auditory-phonological (AP) processing acted as a significant mediator between omega-3 LCPUFA levels and literacy outcomes. EPA showed the most pronounced effect in this relationship, suggesting that higher EPA levels may directly support the development and efficiency of phonological skills essential for reading fluency and decoding.
4. DHA and PUFA Ratios Also Play Meaningful Roles
The research also highlighted interactions between DHA and the balance of other polyunsaturated fatty acids. Specifically, the AA/ALA ratio—representing the relationship between arachidonic acid and alpha-linolenic acid—had meaningful effects on the strength and direction of cognitive outcomes. This indicates that not only the presence of omega-3 fatty acids but also the overall balance of PUFAs may influence literacy development.
Expert Perspectives
Dr. Maria Luisa Lorusso, Child Neuropsychologist and Senior Researcher at the Department of Child Psychopathology at IRCCS E. Medea—and the study’s lead investigator—emphasized the importance of these findings.
“We are very excited to share these findings, which provide new insight into how omega-3 fatty acids influence reading and writing development through their action on specific neurocognitive processes, particularly auditory-phonological mechanisms. We are grateful to SFI Health™ for their support throughout this study, which also underscores the importance of the balance between different PUFAs in determining overall cognitive benefits.”
Matthew Brabazon, General Manager at SFI Health™ EMEA, echoed this enthusiasm, highlighting the company’s commitment to advancing scientific understanding in natural healthcare.
“As a company that views research as a fundamental pillar of its mission to offer science-based natural healthcare products, we are extremely proud of this achievement. SFI Health™ has a long-standing tradition of strategic partnerships with leading universities and researchers around the world. Through collaborations like this, we continue to expand our knowledge and unlock the potential of natural-source ingredients to support human health.”
Implications and Future Directions
While the study stops short of asserting that omega-3 supplementation directly improves literacy skills, its findings establish a strong foundation for future research. The results suggest that these fatty acids may play an important supportive role in enhancing cognitive systems crucial for reading and writing, particularly for children with developmental dyslexia.
Future studies may explore:
- Whether targeted supplementation can accelerate literacy gains
- Optimal dosages and formulations of omega-3 and omega-6 fatty acids
- Long-term effects of PUFA balance on brain development
- How nutritional interventions may be integrated into existing neuropsychological treatment programs
This newly published study represents a valuable contribution to the growing body of research connecting nutrition, cognitive development, and learning outcomes. By identifying the neurocognitive pathways through which omega-3 LCPUFAs influence reading and writing abilities, the findings open promising avenues for further investigation into natural, evidence-based interventions that support children’s educational development.
SFI Health™ EMEA and its research partners remain committed to advancing this work, with the shared goal of uncovering new strategies to support brain health, cognitive performance, and overall well-being in children.
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