Can supplements boost academic performance?
Can supplements boost academic performance?
Academic performance is an area of child health where nutrition has a major role. A study of primary school children has confirmed that supplements of the Omega-3 fatty acids (found in fish and flax seed oils) could take them from bottom of the class to the top in just two school terms.
The results of The Durham Trial state that more than 40% of children could benefit from essential fatty acid (EFA) supplements. The study, which involved a dozen primary schools, concludes that children given these ‘brain food’ supplements register dramatic improvements in reading age and numeracy.
Omega-3 fatty acids are crucial for normal brain development, but these EFAs are seriously lacking in modern diets and deficiencies are thought to be common.
Dr Madeleine Portwood, a psychologist with Durham education authority who led the research told the Sunday Times newspaper that: “We had nine-year olds go from a reading age of eight up to 13.”
The Food Standards Agency recommends salmon, trout and mackerel for people looking to increase their intake of fish oils. It warned recently, however, that some fish can contain high levels of toxic chemicals such as mercury and dioxin. Omega-3s can also be obtained from Flax Seed Oil, which children may find more palatable.
Viridian Nutrition has developed a pleasant-tasting 100% organic Omega-3 oil from pressed seeds, viridiKid Organic Omega-3 Oil is additive-free and naturally flavoured with organic vanilla and orange.
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