Common Sense Part II

This is in response to Yusuf's comments on the previous post regarding brain activity and the effects of certain foods and nutrients.

I hear what you say, and I am sure that your experience is how you described it. And of course there is scientific evidence that does state that certain foods (including fish) have a positive effect on brain function. According to this article, DHA, a main component of Omega-3 fatty acids, is an important component of childhood brain development. The major natural sources are fatty fish and organ meats.

The article also points out that Omega-3s can be obtained through supplementation, such as fish oil capsules or vegetarian DHA. So Yusuf, if you're ever inclined to stay away from fish for a while, try taking the supplementation and let me know how that works out for you. I think you may find that your cognitive function will remain the same. :)

Getting back to the original issue, the parents of the 2-year-old child in the emergency room that night were justified to be concerned about her allergy to fish, and the possible effect on her brain development. Even so, they acted in a reckless and irresponsible manner by intentionally and deliberately giving her a food that they knew she was allergic to. The risk to a child's life through an uncontrolled introduction of a known allergen far outweighs any possible benefits of that action. And since other sources of DHA are available, it is not necessary to even attempt to acclimate her to her allergy in such a way.

Children of that age are completely dependent on their parents to provide for them a safe and nourishing environment. Deliberately and intentionally causing an anaphylactic reaction to attempt to acclimate a child to an allergy is a danger to her life. Even with the myriad of advice from all sources, a parent's basic common sense must always prevail.

For that little girl's sake, I hope it will.