Sunday Times 2
Want a smart child? Give them fish-oil pills
View(s):By Stephen Matthews
Every parent wants their child to achieve their dreams. Â And now scientists believe they may have found the magic potion to give them a step up in life.Children who consumed fish oil pills significantly improved their ability to read in just three months, a new trial shows.
Children given fish oil pills significantly improved their ability to read in just three months, a new trial shows
Packed full of omega 3 fatty acids, the Swedish study is the first to confirm that these nutrients can benefit all youngsters.
University of Gothenberg researchers conducted a trial of Equazen on 154 children who were split into two groups.
Having previously been shown to be as effective as Ritalin in children with behavioural problems, the capsules contain a range of fatty acids.
Half received three of the pills, which cost just 13p each, of the powerful fish oil tablet, while the rest were given a placebo.
A series of computerised reading tests were then conducted to measure the ability of the youngsters.Those given Equazen showed a 64 per cent improvement in their overall comprehension. While they were five times quicker at decoding jumbled up words, the study showed.
Lead researcher Dr Mats Johnson said: ‘We were a bit surprised to see this level of effect in mainstream children. This has not been shown before.’ The positive effect of the supplement was confirmed when those given the placebo were also given the capsules.
In response to the findings, public health nutritionist Dr Emma Derbyshire said: ‘It shows that Equazen is having a great effect on reading scores for mainstream children.
The research is set to be presented to teachers at an education conference in Birmingham later this month.
© Daily Mail, London