The majority of dietary recommendations for individuals with dyslexia mainly focus on general suggestions for enhancing brain health or mitigating symptoms associated with related learning difficulties, such as ADHD. Some evidence suggests that a deficiency or an imbalance in omega-3 highly unsaturated fatty acids (HUFA) may play a role in both the predisposition and development of dyslexia.[1] However, the evidence regarding the benefits of increasing omega-3 intake through diet or supplements for individuals with dyslexia is weak and inconsistent. Furthermore, some studies suggest that this deficiency may not be caused by a low intake of omega-3 fatty acids, but rather by an inability to convert them into HUFA.[2]
How could diet affect dyslexia?
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•Last Updated: May 16, 2025
Dietary recommendations for people with dyslexia primarily aim to improve brain health and alleviate symptoms of related learning difficulties; some evidence suggests that omega-3 fatty acid deficiencies may be associated with dyslexia. However, the evidence to support the benefits of increasing omega-3 intake is weak and inconsistent, and some studies indicate that the deficiency may stem from an inability to convert omega-3s into highly unsaturated fatty acids rather than low dietary intake.