Abstract
BackgroundOmega-3 fatty acids are central to brain-development of children. Evidence from clinical trials and systematic reviews 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.ObjectivesReplication 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.DesignParallel group, fixed-dose, randomized (minimization, 30% random element), double-blind, placebo-controlled trial (RCT).SettingMainstream primary schools (n = 84) from five counties in the UK in 2012–2015.ParticipantsHealthy children aged 7–9 underperforming in reading (<20th centile). 1230 invited, 376 met study criteria.Intervention600 mg/day DHA (from algal oil), placebo: taste/color matched corn/soybean oil; for 16 weeks.Main outcome measuresAge-standardized measures of reading, working memory, and behavior, parent-rated and as secondary outcome teacher-rated.Results376 children were randomized. Reading, working memory, and behavior change scores showed no consistent differences between intervention and placebo group. Some behavioral subscales showed minor group differences.ConclusionsThis RCT did not replicate results of the earlier DOLAB 1 study on the effectiveness of nutritional supplementation with DHA for learning and behavior. Possible reasons are discussed, particularly regarding the replication of complex interventions.Trial registration and protocolwww.controlled-trials.com (ISRCTN48803273) and protocols.io (https://dx.doi.org/10.17504/protocols.io.k8kczuw)
Highlights
Some high-quality evidence demonstrates that increasing children’s dietary intake of the longchain omega-3 fatty acids may improve concentration, reduce disruptive behavior and leads to better reading and spelling [1,2]
Omega-3 fatty acids are central to brain-development of children
Biochemical and neuroscientific research has long demonstrated the important role of longer-chain omega-3 fatty acids–docosahexaenoic acid (DHA) and eicosapentaenoic acid (EPA)- for brain development [3,4]
Summary
Some high-quality evidence demonstrates that increasing children’s dietary intake of the longchain omega-3 fatty acids may improve concentration, reduce disruptive behavior and leads to better reading and spelling [1,2]. Prior to DOLAB I, most studies of omega-3 supplementation for learning and behavior had involved child populations with specific developmental conditions such as attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) [6,7], dyslexia and developmental coordination disorder (DCD) [8]. Those studies were small and their generalizability was limited by differences between the populations being studied, the treatment formulations that were used, and the outcomes assessed [9]. Findings are inconclusive and in need of robust replication studies since such work is lacking
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