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 .
Docosahexaenoic Acid for Reading, Cognition and Behavior in Children Aged 7–9 Years: A Randomized, Controlled Trial (The DOLAB Study)
Background Omega-3 fatty acids are dietary essentials , and the current low intakes in most modern developed countries are believed to contribute to a wide variety of physical and mental health problems . Evidence from clinical trials indicates that dietary supplementation with long-chain omega-3 may improve child behavior and learning , although most previous trials have involved children with neurodevelopmental disorders such as attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder ( ADHD ) or developmental coordination disorder ( DCD ) . Here we investigated whether such benefits might extend to the general child population . Objectives To determine the effects of dietary supplementation with the long-chain omega-3 docosahexaenoic acid ( DHA ) on the reading , working memory , and behavior of healthy schoolchildren . Design Parallel group , fixed-dose , r and omized , double-blind , placebo-controlled trial ( RCT ) . Setting Mainstream primary schools in Oxfordshire , UK ( n = 74 ) . Participants Healthy children aged 7–9 years initially underperforming in reading ( ≤33rd centile ) . 1376 invited , 362 met study criteria .  Intervention 600 mg/day DHA ( from algal oil ) , or taste/color matched corn/soybean oil placebo . Main Outcome Measures Age-st and ardized measures of reading , working memory , and parent- and teacher-rated behavior . Results ITT analyses showed no effect of DHA on reading in the full sample , but significant effects in the pre-planned subgroup of 224 children whose initial reading performance was ≤20th centile ( the target population in our original study design ) . Parent-rated behavior problems ( ADHD-type symptoms ) were significantly reduced by active treatment , but little or no effects were seen for either teacher-rated behaviour or working memory . Conclusions DHA supplementation appears to offer a safe and effective way to improve reading and behavior in healthy but underperforming children from mainstream schools . Replication studies are clearly warranted , as such children are known to be at risk of low educational and occupational outcomes in later life . Trial Registration Clinical Trials.gov NCT01066182 and Controlled-Trials.com IS RCT
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 .