NEW STUDY TO EXPLORE WHETHER OMEGA-3 SUPPLEMENTS CAN BOOST CHILDREN’S BRAIN DEVELOPMENT
Swansea University researchers – in collaboration with FAB Research - are exploring the influence that omega-3 supplements can have on children’s behaviour, mood, and mental wellbeing, as part of a pioneering study with implications for health and education.
FAB RESEARCH COMMENT:
Previous studies of supplementation with the long chain omega-3 found in fish oils (EPA and DHA) have already shown that this can have significant benefits for children with one or more of the following kinds of difficulties - whether these are mild/moderate or severe:
- ADHD – hyperactive and/or impulsive behaviour, attention and concentration problems
- Autism Spectrum Disorders (ASD) – poor social skills, communication and/or behaviour problems
- Anxiety and Mood Disorders – difficulties with emotional self-regulation, sensitivity to stress, low mood and/or mood swings
Preliminary evidence also shows that supplementing these omega-3 may improve:
- Sleep problems – including difficulties getting to sleep, waking up on time in the morning, and/or night-time sleep disturbances
Most previous studies have focused only on children with just one particular diagnostic label - such as ADHD, ASD, dyslexia, dyspraxia or depression. However, these conditions all show substantial overlap with each other, as well as with normal individual differences in mood, behaviour and learning.
In addition, most UK children's dietary intakes and blood levels of long-chain omega-3 are seriously below the levels recommended for general physical health, let alone optimal brain development. And particularly low levels are associated with symptoms of ADHD and ASD as well as difficulties with mood and sleep.
By assessing the effects of omega-3 on each of these areas, and including a broad range of children with or without any formal diagnoses, this study will allow us to find out which children may benefit most from supplementation, and how any changes in mood, sleep, attention or behaviour may be inter-related.
- PLEASE REGISTER HERE if you'd like MORE INFORMATION ON THIS STUDY
All study measures can be completed online - and supplements are sent by post, so no travelling is needed
We'd particularly love to hear from you if
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you're the parent / guardian of a child aged 6-12 with any of these kinds of difficulties
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you're a clinical practitioner, teacher or other professional who works with children aged 6-12
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you know any schools, clinics or health centres willing to share information about this study
Swansea University researchers – in collaboration with FAB Research - are exploring the influence that omega-3 supplements can have on children’s behaviour, mood, and mental wellbeing, as part of a pioneering study with implications for health and education.
Omega-3 fatty acids found in fish and seafood are essential for proper brain function and development in children. As the body can’t reliably make these, they must be supplied through diet.
With most children in the UK consuming less than half the recommended intake of omega-3 fats, a team led by the University’s School of Psychology is investigating whether Omega-3 supplements can help.
The study is being independently funded by The Waterloo Foundation and is a collaboration with Food and Behaviour (FAB) Research, a UK-based charity dedicated to advancing scientific research into the links between nutrition and human behaviour.
The team is looking for children aged 6-12 from the mainland of the United Kingdom to take part in the study, which can be completed entirely online, with participants given a three-month supply of easy-to-swallow supplements in the post.
Parents and guardians will also be asked to complete questionnaires on their children’s behaviour before and after taking the supplements, noting any changes in behaviour, including mood and sleep.
Dr Hayley Young, Principal Investigator of the project, said: “Dietary omega-3 deficiencies have become the norm in UK children, despite the critical importance of these nutrients for mental as well as physical health and wellbeing.
“And we already know that a lack of sufficient omega-3 predicts the behaviour, mood and learning difficulties of many different children.
“Previous trials have shown that increasing omega-3 intakes can benefit at least some children, whether or not their difficulties meet full criteria for conditions like ADHD or autism. This new trial will help us find out which children may actually benefit most and how they might best be identified.”
Dr Alex Richardson, FAB Partner and Co-Investigator, added:
“FAB Research has a long track record of research in this area – as does Swansea University’s School of Psychology – so we’re delighted to be collaborating on this important new study.
“We know many parents, teachers and health professionals are struggling to provide the help and support so many children need to help them make the most of their potential.
“We’d love them to get in touch, as we can then give them more information that might be useful to them - whether or not they may be interested in taking part in, or helping with this study.”
Find out more about the study HERE
Food and Behaviour Research is a registered charity (No SC034604) and a company limited by guarantee (Co No SC 253448)
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