Nutrients That Shape the Learning Brain: Dyslexia, Dysgraphia, and Dyscalculia

When a child, or adult, struggles with reading, writing, or math, it’s natural to think only about teaching strategies, tutoring, or classroom accommodations. But the brain itself — and the nutrients that fuel it — play a profound role in how these abilities develop. Dyslexia (reading difficulties), dysgraphia (writing difficulties), and dyscalculia (math difficulties) are linked to differences in how the brain’s networks process information.

Modern imaging studies highlight the left temporo-parietal cortex, occipito-temporal cortex, frontal areas (including Broca’s area), and the cerebellum as central hubs for reading, writing, and numerical reasoning. These regions depend on a steady supply of very specific nutrients to function optimally.

Below are the key players:

Omega-3 Fatty Acids (DHA & EPA)

• Role: DHA is concentrated in the visual and language areas of the brain. It improves the flexibility of neuronal membranes and enhances signaling speed.

• Evidence: Supplementing omega-3s has been shown to improve reading ability and attention in children with dyslexia and ADHD.

Iron

• Role: Essential for dopamine production and the myelination of white matter tracts — the “highways” that carry signals between reading and writing centers.

• Evidence: Low iron in childhood, and in utero, is linked to reduced attention, language difficulties, cognitive delays, and lower I.Q. If you want to learn more about low iron, then I take a deep dive in my Iron Curse book and workshop.

Zinc

• Role: Modulates glutamate and GABA neurotransmission and enhances synaptic plasticity in the hippocampus and cortex.

• Impact: Supports attention, memory, and language processing — foundational skills for learning.

Magnesium

• Role: Regulates NMDA receptors, stabilizing neural firing.

• Impact: Promotes efficient learning and prevents overstimulation of the brain circuits used in reading and math.

• Make sure you get a magnesium that crosses the blood brain barrier. 

B Vitamins (B6, Folate, B12)

• Role: Critical for methylation, myelin formation, and neurotransmitter synthesis.

• Impact: Adequate levels support processing speed, cognitive flexibility, and sustained focus.

• Forms of B vitamins are crucial. Make sure you are taking the active form of these vitamins.

Choline and Phosphatidylcholine (PC)

• Choline’s role: Choline is essential for producing acetylcholine (a neurotransmitter of learning and memory), building cell membranes, and fueling methylation pathways that regulate gene expression.

• Phosphatidylcholine’s advantage: PC is the most abundant phospholipid in brain cell membranes. It not only serves as a choline reservoir (helping acetylcholine production), but also directly supports membrane integrity, repair, and synaptic plasticity. This dual action makes PC particularly valuable for brain regions involved in reading, writing, and working memory.

• Clinical note: PC-rich foods (like eggs and soy lecithin) or supplements have been shown to improve processing speed, memory, and focus. PC is therefore often considered a more complete and long-term support option compared to choline alone.

Iodine

• Role: Supports thyroid hormone production, which guides brain development, especially in language-related areas.

• Evidence: Even mild iodine deficiency can impair reading and comprehension skills.

Vitamin D

• Role: Regulates gene expression in neurons and enhances dopamine pathways.

• Impact: Deficiency is associated with impaired executive function, attention, and learning ability.

Antioxidants (Vitamin E, Vitamin C, Polyphenols)

• Role: Protect neurons and white matter from oxidative stress.

• Special Note: Vitamin E, in particular, is vital for the cerebellum, which contributes not only to motor control but also to timing and aspects of language.

The Cerebellum Connection

Though often overlooked, the cerebellum influences motor coordination, timing, and aspects of language processing. Nutrients like CoQ10, vitamin E, DHA, and phosphatidylcholine protect and energize cerebellar neurons, making them especially relevant for children with learning differences.

The Double-Edged Sword of Iron

While iron deficiency can damage cognitive development and lower IQ, too much iron can also be harmful. Excess iron in the brain contributes to oxidative stress, mitochondrial dysfunction, and neurodegeneration. Research has linked iron overload with conditions like Alzheimer’s and Parkinson’s disease.

This creates what some call the “iron paradox”: too little iron impairs learning and attention, while too much can damage the very brain circuits it once helped build. Maintaining balance is key — iron should be carefully monitored, especially in children, where both deficiency and excess can have lifelong consequences.

Learn more about the dangers of high and low iron in my Iron Curse book and workshop.

Takeaway

For children and adults alike, supporting brain health means more than just good teaching. Nutrients such as DHA, iron, zinc, magnesium, B vitamins, choline, phosphatidylcholine, iodine, vitamin D, and antioxidants are central to the brain networks responsible for reading, writing, and math.

For clinicians, this underscores the value of nutritional assessments in children with learning difficulties. For parents, it’s a reminder that diet and supplementation can influence how the brain learns — not just how hard a child tries.