Research Proven Benefits of DHA

Omega-3 fatty acids are essential for healthy growth and development of children. These essential fats are associated with a wide range of health benefits.

1. Improve attention difficulties in children

Some experience impulsive behaviours with difficulty in concentrating. This is common in childhood and progress into adulthood. DHA as the main omega-3 fatty acid in the brain helps to increase the blood flow for mental tasks. It was noticed in researches that children and adults with attention problems have lower blood levels of omega-3. Scientists predict that the relative deficiencies DHA may underlie some of the behavioural and learning problems associated with attention problems. 

Study 1:
In this clinical trial, a total of 362 healthy children of age 7 to 9 years with initial underperforming in reading were randomly administered either 600mg/day DHA or placebo. ITT (intention-to-treat) analyses showed significant improvement in a subgroup of 224 children whose initial reading performance was ≤20(th) centiles. Parent-rated behaviour problems (attention-problem type symptoms) were significantly reduced by DHA supplementation. These findings suggest that DHA supplementation could be a safe and effective approach to improve reading and behaviour in healthy but underperforming children.

Study 2:
In this clinical trial, 40 boys with attention problems, aged 8–14 years, and 39 matched, typically developing controls were orally administered 10 g of margarine daily, enriched with either 650 mg of eicosapentaenoic acid (EPA)/docosahexaenoic acid (DHA)each or placebo for 16 weeks. Results showed that EPA/DHA supplementation improved parent-rated attention in both children with attention problems and typically developing children. In addition, phospholipid DHA level at follow-up was higher for children receiving EPA/DHA supplements than placebo. These findings suggest that dietary supplementation with omega-3 fatty acids reduces symptoms of attention problems, both for individuals with attention problems and typically developing children.

Study 3:
In this clinical trial, 41 children aged 8 to 12 years with both specific learning difficulties (mainly dyslexia) and above-average attention problems ratings were administered omega-3 fatty acids (HUFA) or placebo for 12 weeks. A range of behavioural and learning problems associated with attention problems was assessed using standardized parent rating scales at both baseline and follow-up. Compared to the placebo group, the group treated with omega-3 fatty acids (HUFA) showed significantly lower mean scores for cognitive problems and general behaviour problems. This study suggests the beneficial effects of omega-3 fatty acids (HUFA) on attention-problem-related symptoms in children with specfic learning difficulties.

2. Improve cognitive functions

Some experience impulsive behaviours with difficulty in concentrating which is usually common in childhood and progress into adulthood. DHA is the main omega-3 fatty acid in the brain that helps to increase the blood flow for mental tasks. It was noticed in researches that children and adults with attention problems have lower blood levels of omega-3. Scientists predict that the relative deficiencies DHA may underlie some of the behavioural and learning problems associated with attention problems. 

Study:
In this clinical trial, healthy 4-year-old children were administered 400 mg/day DHA or placebo for 4 months and the relationship of DHA levels in whole capillary blood with scores on cognitive tests was evaluated. Result showed that there is a statistically significant (p = 0.018) positive association between blood level of DHA and higher scores on the Peabody Picture Vocabulary Test, which is a test of listening comprehension and vocabulary acquisition. The findings suggest that DHA supplementation potentially helps improve the learning ability of children. 

3. Improve developmental coordination disorder (DCD)

Developmental coordination disorder (DCD), a lifelong condition that makes it hard to learn motor skills and coordination, aects around 5% of school-aged children. This disorder is commonly associated with diculties in learning, behavioural and psychosocial adjustment that continue into adulthood.

In this clinical trial, 117 children with DCD (5 to 12 years of age) were administered omega-3 and omega-6 fatty acids or placebo for 3 months, which was followed by a 1-way crossover from placebo to omega-3 and omega-6 treatment for an additional 3 months. Compared to placebo, supplementation with omega-3 and omega-6 resulted in significant improvements in reading, spelling and behaviour. This study suggests that fatty acid supplementation potentially helps to mitigate learning and behavioural problems among children with DCD.

4. Improve behaviour

DHA, a beneficial omega-3 fatty acid commonly found in fish oil, may have long-term neurodevelopmental effects which would help reduce aggressive and antisocial behavioural problems in children. Studies have shown that children with neurodevelopmental disorders, such as attention problems and autism may have low levels of DHA that contribute to their symptoms. Hence, increasing DHA may help improve symptoms of these disorders, including learning impairments, inattention, hyperactivity, aggression, and other behaviour problems.

Study 1:
In this clinical trial, 166 schoolchildren with 9 to 12 years of age were either given fish oil-fortified food (bread, sausage and spaghetti) which provides 3600 mg of DHA + 840 mg of EPA/week (fish oil group) or placebo for 3 months. The effects of fish oil supplementation on schoolchildren’s behaviour were evaluated, with changes in aggression over time as the primary endpoint. At the start and end of the study, physical aggression was assessed using Hostility-Aggression Questionnaire for Children. Results showed that physical aggression in girls increased significantly in the placebo group and did not change in the fish oil group, with statistically signifcant between groups (p =0.008). In addition, the impulsivity of girls assessed by parents or guardians was significantly reduced in the fish oil group (p= 0.008) compared to placebo group. These findings suggest the potential of omega-3 supplementation on improving physical aggression in schoolchildren. 

Study 2:
In this clinical trial, normal school children (mostly aged 9 to 12 years old) were administered either 6 fish oil capsules per day which provided 0.65g DHA and 0.10g eicosapentaenoic acid (EPA)/day (DHA group) or soybean-oil capsules (control group) for 3 months. At the start and end of the study, blood samples were taken to evaluate the concentration of DHA and EPA and attendance was recorded during the study period. Results showed that the concentrations of DHA and EPA in the phospholipid fraction in red blood cells were significantly increased in the DHA group. In addition, the inability to attend school regularly during the study period improved signifcantly in the DHA group (p = 0.002), compared to the control group. The odds ratios of inability to attend school perfectly during the study period in the DHA group were significantly reduced to 0.30 in boys and was non-significantly to 0.56 in girls, compared with the control group. This finding suggests that DHA-rich fish oil may help improve the school attendance rate in schoolchildren. 

5.Support healthy vision

DHA is crucial for children’s eye development and function. It is an essential nutrient in the retina for visual acuity. Several studies have shown the beneficial effect of dietary DHA on visual acuity in infants.

Study:
In this clinical trial, Danish lactating mothers with habitual fish intake below the 50th percentile of the Danish National Birth Cohort were administered fish oil (1.3g/day long-chain omega-3 fatty acid) or olive oil. The oral administration started within a week after delivery and lasted for 4 months. Results showed that fish oil supplementation in lactating mothers gave rise to a 3-fold increase in the DHA content of the 4-month milk samples. DHA in infant red blood cells was significantly increased by almost 50% (p < 0.001). In addition, infant visual acuity was positively associated at 4 months with infant DHA in red blood cells (p = 0.004). These findings suggest that infants with higher omega-3 fatty acids in red blood cells had a better visual acuity at 4-month of age, suggesting the beneficial effects of omega-3 fatty acid on visual maturation.