A study out of England of 120 children between ages 6 and 12 tested the use of fish oil on ADHD symptoms, coordination and short-term memory. The outcome?

Results suggested that after three months, the group using the fatty acid made “highly significant improvements” in 12 out of 13 behavioural scales, including three diagnostic ADHD features – inattention, hyperactivity and impulsivity. Short term memory also significantly improved.

Not just significant, but highly significant improvements in 12 behavioural scales!

One of the head teachers reported that “children with specific difficulties now concentrate more, read better, and their self-esteem has rocketed.” Dr. Madeleine Portwood, an education psychologist, stated that “the most dramatic improvement was in concentration and the spin off was children had better attainments so their reading score improved – some children improved by as much as four years in the six month trial.” (Emphasis mine.) Four year increase in reading abilities in only 6 months?! Whether your kids have ADD/ADHD or not, I’d definitely consider looking into getting them on omega-3 fish oil!

Thank you Philip from Psychiatry News for notifying me of this recent study.