Nursery World - Oil supplements help behaviour

Children who have learning and behavioural problems have shown significant improvements after participating in a trial where they took daily supplements of fatty acids. The trial involved 117 children between the ages of six and 12 from primary schools in Durham. Half the children took an 'eye q' supplement containing omega-3 fish oil and omega-6 evening primrose oil, while the rest took a placebo supplement of olive oil. Doses were given three times a day.

The trial involved 117 children between the ages of six and 12 from primary schools in Durham. Half the children took an 'eye q' supplement containing omega-3 fish oil and omega-6 evening primrose oil, while the rest took a placebo supplement of olive oil. Doses were given three times a day.

All the children in the trial were affected by developmental co-ordination disorder (DCD), which can cause difficulties with motor skills, writing, reading, attention and behaviour.

After three months, 40 per cent of the children taking the fatty acid supplements showed significant improvements in reading and spelling. Their mean reading age rose by 9.5 months and spelling age by 6.6 months. Their behaviour and short-term memory also improved.

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