Welcome to COGNITION for Smart Kids and Teens. Starting now and in the weeks that follow, we’re going to guide you in taking simple steps to help your child increase their intake of brain-building fats that help them reach their full potential.

In fact, yours and your child’s brain is literally built out of fat and this fat makes up 60% of the brain’s dry weight. Fats are absolutely essential!

Why It Matters:

✔ Over 90% of the structural fat in your brain is what’s called ‘phospholipid DHA’.

✔ DHA is an omega-3 fat (oily fish are particularly rich in DHA).

✔ It must be attached to a phospholipid such as choline (rich in both fish and eggs), to make brain cells. That attachment is achieved by B vitamin-dependent methylation (see the B VITAMIN domain which delves into the importance of healthy methylation).

In the weeks that follow we’re going to show you exactly how much omega-3 DHA your child needs, where they can get it from and, if you don’t eat fish, what you need to supplement with, since DHA can be sourced from algae but only in supplements.
We are also going to show you what you need to eat for phospholipids, which have strange names such as ‘phosphatidyl choline’ or ‘phosphatidyl serine’, or supplements if you’re vegan, since eggs and seafood are the only significant food sources.

What You Need to Know:

✔ Cholesterol is also a vital part of the developing brain. Children need to eat cholesterol rich foods, not avoid them.

✔ Another very important brain fat, is vitamin D. It is primarily made in the skin with exposure to sunlight. That’s why we all need to supplement more in the winter or at any time if you don’t get outdoors enough or have darker skin.

✔ The benefits from increasing brain fats are often experienced within days as better mood, emotional stability and ability for your child to concentrate, but it takes a few weeks to settle into diet and lifestyle habits to optimise your child’s intake of brain fats.

How to Implement Change

Today’s Challenge: For now, think about what your child can eat to provide omega-3 (think salmon) and phospholipids (think eggs). In the emails that follow you’ll discover which foods are the best, and how much you and your child need to eat, or supplement. Remember, you set the example for them to follow.

📌 Next email: Meet the Brain Makers

Wishing you and your child the best of health and happiness,

The COGNITION for Smart Kids & Teens Team