Written by Jessica Patella, ND. The study showed that supplementing 600mg DHA per day in school aged children increased reading age by 0.8 months in the 20th percentile group and by 1.9 months in the 10th percentile group.
Most modern developed countries have low intakes of omega-3 oils found in fish and seafood (1,2). Omega-3 oils are most well known for improving cardiovascular health, but docosahexaenoic acid (DHA), a form of omega-3 oil, is also essential for normal development and function of the brain (2,3). Recent research found DHA may also have an effect on children’s behavior and brain development (3).
The research included children in the mainstream school population in England that were reading in the 33rd percentile, which was equivalent to reading about 18 months behind their age (3). The children spanned three grade levels (second through fourth grades) and were 6-10 years old. Three main areas were evaluated: reading, working memory (short-term memory recall) and behavior.
A total of 362 children were randomly divided into two groups for 16-weeks. The supplement group (n=180) received 600 mg of DHA daily (from algal oil, delivered in 3 capsules per day) and the placebo group (n=182) received identical-looking capsules filled with corn and soybean oil (also delivered in 3 capsules per day). The capsules were taken once a day at lunch time. The schools dispensed the capsules during the week and parents dispensed them to their children during the weekends (3).
At baseline, the average age of the children was 8 years 8 months, 53% were male, 91% were white and 20% were eligible for free school meals (indicating a lower socio-economic status) (3).
After the 16-week study, reading score changes were only observed in the children with baseline reading at or below the 20th percentile (n=224; DHA group average change in score 2.0 +/- 4.2, placebo average 0.9 +/- 3.9, p<0.04) and for those at or below the 10th percentile (n=105; DHA group average change in scores 3.1 +/- 4.4, placebo average 0.9 +/- 4.2, p<0.01). These results equate to an additional 0.8 months’ increase in reading age in the 20th percentile group and an additional 1.9 months’ increase in reading age in the 10th percentile group, helping these children catch up with their peer group (3).
DHA showed significant improvement over placebo for behavior when assessed by the parents, but showed no change when assessed by the teachers. Parents reported improvement in restless-impulsive behavior, emotional lability, and hyperactive-impulsive behavior, all of which were Attention Deficit Hyperactivity symptoms (3). Working memory or short-term memory recall showed no significant improvement over the 16-week period.
In conclusion, supplementing 600 mg DHA per day for 16 weeks showed improvement in behavior and reading in school aged children. This is the first study to show dietary supplements with DHA might improve behavior and learning of healthy children, especially underperforming children in mainstream schools.
Source: Richardson, Alexandra J., et al. “Docosahexaenoic acid for reading, cognition and behavior in children aged 7–9 years: a randomized, controlled trial (the DOLAB Study).” PLoS one 7.9 (2012): e43909.
© Richardson et al Creative Commons Attribution License
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Posted February 20, 2013.
Jessica Patella, ND, is a naturopathic physician specializing in nutrition and homeopathic medicine and offers a holistic approach to health. Visit her website at www.awarenesswellness.com.
References:
- Simopoulos A (2002) The importance of the ratio of omega-6/omega-3 essential fatty acids. Biomed Pharmacother 56: 365–379.
- Brenna JT, et al (2009) Alpha-Linolenic acid supplementation and conversion to n-3 long-chain polyunsaturated fatty acids in humans. Prostaglandins Leukot Essent Fatty Acids 80: 85–91.
- Richardson AJ, et al (2012) Docosahexaenoic Acid for Reading, Cognition and Behavior in Children Aged 7–9 Years: A Randomized, Controlled Trial (The DOLAB Study). PLoS ONE 7(9): e43909. doi:10.1371/journal.pone.0043909.
