Down syndrome is not a disease, it’s a genetic disorder which affects the way in which the brain and body develops. Most people have 46 chromosomes (23 pairs) in all cells, but those with Down syndrome are generally born with an extra chromosome, having three copies of chromosome 21 instead of the usual two. This is caused by an error in cell division at conception, called nondisjunction, although the exact reason why this occurs is unknown.
The medical term for an extra chromosome is trisomy, so Down syndrome is referred to medically as Trisomy 21. Down syndrome is the most common chromosome related condition, and is believed to affect approximately 1 in 1000 live births worldwide. It is not curable and there are no preventative measures which can be taken before conception, although the risk of having a child with down syndrome does increase with the mother’s age.
The condition causes physical, cognitive and behavioural symptoms, although their severity can greatly differ from one Down syndrome person to another, with some showing few or limited symptoms at all. Common, although not universal, symptoms include: flattened facial features, particularly across the bridge of the nose ✦ single crease across the palm of the hand instead of the usual two ✦ almond-shaped eyes, slanting upwards ✦ small hands and feet ✦ small ears, which can be slightly pointed ✦ short in height with a short neck ✦ tongue sticking out of the side of mouth ✦ small white spots on the eye iris (coloured part) ✦ poor muscle tone ✦ delays in cognition, including speech and language development ✦ delayed toilet training ✦ sleeping difficulties ✦ attention problems or ADHD ✦ hyperactivity ✦ tantrums. As the child increases with age they may experience depression, general anxiety, or even regression, with a decline in loss of cognitive and social skills.
Common medical conditions which may develop, or be present at birth, include: congenital heart defects ✦ diminished immune system with greater susceptibility to infections ✦ anemia ✦ hearing or vision problems ✦ gastrointestinal problems ✦ autism ✦ diabetes mellitus ✦ celiac disease ✦ thyroid problems ✦ obesity ✦ low fertility rate in men, and approx 50% in women ✦ higher risk, plus earlier onset, of Alzheimer’s disease, with 30% diagnosed in their 50’s and 50% in their 60’s. Medically, Down syndrome is a neurodevelopmental disorder, marring intellectual ability, and causing premature aging in addition to cognitive decline.
At one time, due to sickness from infections, problems at birth or congenital heart problems, many born with Down syndrome did not survive past childhood. Today many of the conditions are manageable with treatment and many children with Down’s syndrome, although they may be delayed in their progression, will enter a mainstream school, go to work, live independently, have relationships, maybe even a family, and lead a normal fulfilled life. However in middle age there is a much higher than average risk that they will develop histopathological and neurochemical changes, causing some type of dementia.
Over the past couple of decades the natural polyphenolic compounds in plants, particularly flavonoids, have been investigated for their potent neuroprotective effects, plus as a treatment for some degenerative diseases, confirming their positive impact. Several studies have investigated the effect of flavonoids on neurodegenerative conditions and support the opinion that they can enhance memory, learning and cognitive functions, strengthen mitochondrial function, protect against oxidative stress and damage to neurons induced by neurotoxins, modulate signalling pathways, and suppress neuroinflammation.
Cold-pressed natural oils retain all of the natural occurring compounds, including flavonoids, nutrients, and associated benefits. Lettuce seed oil has a number of therapeutic advantages which can help in relieving and overcoming some of the symptoms of Down syndrome:
Lettuce Seed Oil Benefits for Down Syndrome
Boosts Immunity
A compromised immune system is a classic symptom of Down Syndrome, and until recently was partly responsible for a reduced lifespan. Cold pressed natural oils can help to boost the immune system and protect the body against infection. The abundance of vitamins A and C in lettuce seed oil is responsible for this benefit.
Antioxidant Activity
Antioxidants act as barriers to free radicals which are produced during cellular metabolism, counteracting and neutralising them, and thus preventing the free radicals from attacking cells, healthy tissues and DNA, thereby reducing the risk of degenerative neurological diseases such as Alzheimer’s and many other diseases such as heart disease. A study published in the journal Ancient Science of Life Journal indicated that lettuce, and thus lettuce seed oil, possesses antioxidants with significant free radical-scavenging capabilities. Oxidative stress is a key factor in symptoms and cognitive decline associated with Down syndrome, so protection against oxidative stress is vital.
Relieves Sleep Disorders
Adequate sleep is essential for our well-being. During this time the immune system is strengthened; hormones and proteins released; energy restored; organs, cells and muscles repaired and replenished; the brain strengthened as nerve cells communicate and reorganise; new information stored and waste eliminated; the heart and blood vessels reinforced; and metabolism regulated.
The recommended sleep requirement for pre-school children is 11-12 hours, 10 hours for school age, and 8-9 hours for adolescents. Adequate sleep is particularly important during childhood otherwise it can have a negative impact on mental and physical development. Studies have shown that people who do not have enough sleep on a regular basis are more likely to suffer from cardiovascular disease, diabetes, depression, impaired immunity, obesity, growth retardation, and endocrine disorders – many of which are common medical conditions that impact on those with Down syndrome at some stage in their life. A lack of quality sleep impacts on concentration levels, mood, energy and even appearance.
Studies have shown the prevalence of sleep disorders amongst children with Down syndrome – sleeping poorly with frequent wakings; more fragmented sleep; difficulty in settling to sleep; unable to sleep; early morning waking; and daytime sleepiness – than a typical developing child. Furthermore, they spend more time in the lighter sleep stage, and less REM sleep. During REM sleep brain activity increases, and it is an important stage of sleep for learning and memory. Sleep disorders have a detrimental effect on learning, memory, general cognitive function and exacerbate learning difficulties. Daytime sleepiness or sleep deficiency can also lead to behavioural problems.
Lettuce seed oil is best known for its sleep inducing abilities, and its effects have been likened to those of a well known commonly prescribed medication for anxiety and sleep. A 2013 research isolated a chemical which demonstrated significant sedative effects, blocking the excitatory signal processes of neural and muscular tissues, and decreasing heart rate and ventricular contractions. Two further substances, lactucarium and lactucin also help to promote sleep, sedating the nervous system and inducing relaxation.
In addition, lettuce seed oil contains powerful antioxidants which can protect against the oxidant stress caused by sleep disturbance.
Promotes Brain Health
Mitochondrial dysfunction and oxidative stress are key factors in symptoms and cognitive decline associated with Down syndrome. Studies indicate that polyphenols, such as those in lettuce seed oil, have the potential to reverse phenotypic alteration and restore the mitochondrial energy deficit in Down syndrome. Studies support that they can enhance memory, learning and cognitive functions, strengthen mitochondrial function, protect against oxidative stress and damage to neurons induced by neurotoxins, modulate signalling pathways, and suppress neuroinflammation.
Lettuce seed oil contains rich amounts of vitamin K, folate, beta-carotene, potassium and lutein help to increase blood flow to the brain, stimulate the brain cells, providing increased cognition, concentration, response time, and neural activity, assisting in counteracting reduced cognition associated with Down syndrome, whilst protecting against further decline and dementia. Furthermore, nitrate in the lettuce is converted to nitric oxide, a cellular signalling molecule, promoting endothelial function and further slowing cognitive decline and neurological disorders. Research has suggested that lettuce has neuroprotector potential as a remedy for neurodegenerative diseases. This followed a study to evaluate its capability in protecting neurons against glucose/serum deprivation (GSD)-induced cell injury which confirmed that it was able to control neuron cell death. The death of neurons can lead to memory loss, dementia, severe neurodegenerative diseases such as Alzheimer’s and Parkinson’s.
Incidentally, whilst some parents may discourage their children from playing video games, it may be a good thing for children with Down syndrome. Those with Down syndrome typically manufacture excess GABA in the hippocampus, and it has been suggested that playing video games may lower GABA levels and potentially improve memory performance and enhance learning.
Controls Anxiety and Depression
Down syndrome adults and children have a high incidence of anxiety and depression, which can manifest itself in behavioural problems, obsessive compulsive symptoms, or further impact on sleep difficulties. It can be triggered by frustration or psychosocial factors such as the absence of a teacher in school, illness of a relative, death of a pet, older sibling moving to university, and can have a much deeper impact than a counterpart under similar circumstances. People with Down syndrome can be extremely sensitive to changes in their direct environment and it can have a disproportionate negative psychological impact. It may be demonstrated as a total lack of motivation, severe sadness, behavioural problems, obsessive compulsive symptoms, or in the worst case scenario can even cause a temporary decline in cognitive function.
Lettuce seed oil has been widely used since Ancient times to reduce anxiety. Detailed research has confirmed its anxiolytic (anti-anxiety) properties, which in tests were indicated to be quite prolific. Research isolated a chemical which blocks the excitatory signal processes of muscular and neural tissues, and its effect has been compared to a well known and commonly prescribed medication to treat anxiety and sleep problems. Another substance called lactucarium also helps in calming the nervous system, promoting relaxation.
Lettuce seed oil effectively supports the nervous system, inducing calm after a stressful situation, and is recommended for nervous exhaustion, depression, anxiety, inflammation of the nerves, and nervous tics.
Aids Slimming
People with Down syndrome tend to have a lower metabolism which often leads to obesity that ultimately heightens an already increased risk of diabetes. Regular consumption of natural lettuce seed oil helps improve metabolism and fat metabolism, thus aiding weight loss. As a powerhouse of nutrients it also provides the body with all its nutritional requirements during dieting.
Reduces Diabetes Risk
Studies have indicated that the intake of greens, such as lettuce, can reduce the risk of type 2 diabetes. Lettuce seed oil also contains an anti-diabetic carotenoid called lactuca xanthin which lowers blood glucose levels and has the potential to be utilised as a treatment for diabetes.
Improves Muscle Strength
Children with Down syndrome typically have low muscle tone, which contributes to slower motor skills, although some children will still learn to walk at the same age as their compatriots. Being rich in potassium and nitrates, lettuce seed oil will enhance muscle strength and also help to reduce any cramps. The nitrates contained in the oil will reduce muscle fatigue and may improve exercise tolerance.
Full of important nutrients
Vitamins and minerals found in lettuce seed oil includes calcium, iron, magnesium, phosphorus, potassium, sodium, and zinc, plus vitamins such as A, B6, C, E, K, folate, niacin, riboflavin, thiamin, in addition to carbohydrates, protein and omega-3 and omega-6 fatty acids. This combination brings a plethora of health benefits in terms of the nervous system, thus impacting on behaviour and learning ability:
Vitamin B6: B vitamins promote a healthy nervous system, and B6 in particular is involved in the production of the neurotransmitters norepinephrine (increases alertness and reaction time, focuses attention, and enhances the formation and retrieval of memory), serotonin (stabilises the mood, creates the feeling of happiness and general wellbeing), and dopamine (part of the reward system, makes you feel good when you complete a task) . A deficiency of B6 can cause difficulty in concentrating, poor memory and increased/hyperactivity.
Magnesium: Low levels can result in a reduced attention span, plus irritability.
Vitamin C: Required for the brain to make neurotransmitters.
Zinc: Regulates dopamine. Reduced levels may compromise attention levels.
Iron: Iron is needed to make dopamine. Low levels can cause ADHD symptoms such as hyperactivity, inattentiveness and lack of concentration.
Omega-3: Decreased levels of omega-3 can result in behavioral problems, or exhibit signs of ADHD. Increasing omega-3 intake may improve attention levels, focus and memory.
Most children with Down syndrome only have mild to moderate impairments, and although they may experience developmental delays, they are basically no different to any other child. Like everyone else, people with Down syndrome have inspirations in life, and there is no reason why they can’t aspire to them.
Despite the prevalence of Down syndrome, research is limited compared to many other disorders and chronic diseases, but nature can step in to provide assistance. Early intervention and counteraction of some of the symptoms, which may otherwise exacerbate the cognitive impairment and later lead to degenerative neurological diseases, will help them reach the very best of their abilities. It’s here that Mother Nature can help. With extremely positive comments from those using lettuce seed oil for Down syndrome, this oil can certainly contribute towards a bright and happy future.
