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 .
Side effects of methylphenidate in children with attention deficit hyperactivity disorder: a systemic, placebo-controlled evaluation.
The frequency and severity of 17 side effects presumably associated with stimulant medication were assessed during a rigorous , triple-blind , placebo-controlled , crossover evaluation of methylpheni date , 0.3 and 0.5 mg/kg twice a day , in 83 children with attention deficit hyperactivity disorder . Side effects were rated by parents and teachers at the end of each weekly drug condition . Three children ( 3.6 % ) had side effects that were sufficiently serious to warrant immediate discontinuation of medication . Parent ratings indicated that only the side effects of decreased appetite , insomnia , stomachaches , and headaches increased significantly in frequency and severity during the two active medication doses as compared with the placebo condition . Fewer than half of the children experienced these side effects and among those who did , ratings of mean severity remained in the mild range . Teacher ratings showed little change over drug conditions , except on ratings of staring , sadness , and anxiety , which declined with increasing dose of medication . Parent ratings indicated that only the side effects of decreased appetite , insomnia , stomachaches , and headaches increased significantly in frequency and severity during the two active medication doses as compared with the placebo condition . Fewer than half of the children experienced these side effects and among those who did , ratings of mean severity remained in the mild range . Teacher ratings showed little change over drug conditions , except on ratings of staring , sadness , and anxiety , which declined with increasing dose of medication . Surprisingly , a high frequency of these behavior side effects were reported during the placebo condition . Stimulant medication within this therapeutic range , therefore , results in few , generally mild side effects . ( ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 250 WORDS
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 .