Children struggling at school could benefit from taking omega fatty acids to help them learn and focus, new research suggests.
Omegas, found most commonly in oily fish, are important for brain health and must be obtained from our diet. There are three types: omega-3, 6 and 9 – and many of us don’t get nearly enough omega-3.
Previous research has found low blood levels of omega-3s, typically caused by not eating enough oily fish such as salmon, are detrimental to learning and behaviour.
Now, a study has concluded omega fatty acids can, among other things, boost reading, spelling and attention among schoolchildren.
Young people who benefited the most were those with ADHD and those who were underperforming at school.
Published in the Journal of Nutrition and Food Sciences, the study involved researchers pulling together the results from 29 randomised controlled trials - the highest quality evidence available.
These trials, all published in the last five years, had involved giving children supplements containing different amounts of fatty acids such as omega-3s and omega-6s.
Of these, 22 studies involving more than 3,000 children revealed significant benefits for learning, focus and behaviour.
Last November, a major review of clinical trials concluded that omega fatty acids are an ‘effective and safe treatment’ for children with ADHD. The condition is a neurodevelopmental disorder characterised by difficulty maintaining attention, impulsive behaviour and extreme hyperactivity.
