A new study has found the effects of EPA, DHA and gamma-linolenic acid can improve reading in children aged 9 to 10 years, both with or without attention problems.

A randomized controlled trial published in the Journal of Child Psychology and Psychiatry found that three months of omega-3/6 treatment improved reading abilities of mainstream school children compared to placebo, with particular significance in boys.

Furthermore, children with ADHD symptoms displayed greater improvements in their visual analysis and reading speed. Increasing intake of specific fatty acids reveals “oils well that ends well” for children’s brain health and cognition.

Reference:

Johnson, M., Fransson. G., Ostlund, S., Areskoug, B., & Gillbery, C. (2017). Omega 3/6 fatty acids for reading in children: A randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled trial in 9-year-old mainstream schoolchildren in Sweden. The Journal of Child Psychology and Psychiatry, 58, 83-93.