Reading , working memory , and behavior change scores showed no consistent differences between intervention and placebo group .
Some behavioral subscales showed minor group differences .
Conclusions This RCT did not replicate results of the earlier DOLAB 1 study on the effectiveness of nutritional supplementation with DHA for learning and behavior .
Background Omega-3 fatty acids are central to brain-development of children .
Evidence from clinical trials and systematic review s demonstrates the potential of long-chain Omega-3 supplementation for learning and behavior .
However , findings are inconclusive and in need of robust replication studies since such work is lacking .
Objectives Replication of the 2012 DOLAB 1 study findings that a dietary supplementation with the long-chain omega-3 docosahexaenoic acid ( DHA ) had beneficial effects on the reading , working memory , and behavior of healthy schoolchildren .
Effects of fish oil supplementation on learning and behaviour of children from Australian Indigenous remote community schools: a randomised controlled trial.
Omega-3 fatty acids are essential for brain function . We recruited 409 children aged 3 - 13 years ( M=8.27 , SD=2.17 ) for a r and omised controlled trial supplementing with placebo or fish oil capsules ( providing 750 mg docosahexaenoic plus eicosapentaenoic acids , and 60 mg gamma linolenic acid/school day ) for 20 school weeks ( Phase 1 ) followed by one-way crossover to fish oil ( Phase 2 ) . Children undertook assessment s of reading , spelling and non-verbal cognitive development ( Draw-A-Person ) at baseline , 20 and 40 weeks . Teachers completed Conners Behaviour Rating Scales ( CBRS ) . The treatment group showed improvements in Draw-A-Person compared with the placebo during Phase 1 ( p=0.029 ) , with strongest effects in Indigenous 7 - 12 year olds ( p=0.008 ) . The placebo group showed significant within-group improvements after switching to treatment ( p<0.001 ) . There was no treatment effect for reading or spelling , and CBRS data were unable to be analysed . These findings may be understood in the context that sustained school attendance and nutrition interact to produce school-related achievement
Reading , working memory , and behavior change scores showed no consistent differences between intervention and placebo group .
Some behavioral subscales showed minor group differences .
Conclusions This RCT did not replicate results of the earlier DOLAB 1 study on the effectiveness of nutritional supplementation with DHA for learning and behavior .
Background Omega-3 fatty acids are central to brain-development of children .
Evidence from clinical trials and systematic review s demonstrates the potential of long-chain Omega-3 supplementation for learning and behavior .
However , findings are inconclusive and in need of robust replication studies since such work is lacking .
Objectives Replication of the 2012 DOLAB 1 study findings that a dietary supplementation with the long-chain omega-3 docosahexaenoic acid ( DHA ) had beneficial effects on the reading , working memory , and behavior of healthy schoolchildren .