Reading is an important ability in school learning. Children’s reading skills can directly influence their academic achievement.
In a study newly published in Journal of Child Psychology and Psychiatry, researchers find that intake of Omega 3/6 fatty acids may help promote schoolchildren’s reading ability.
The study was conducted by University of Gothenburg in Sweden. A total of 154 schoolchildren aged 9-11 took part in the study. Among them, 122 completed the first 3 months, and 105 completed the whole study (6 months).
The study included two parts, each lasted 3 months. In the first part, the children were randomly assigned to two groups: one group received capsules with Omega 3/6 fatty acids twice a day, whereas the other group received capsules that contained a placebo twice a day. In the second part, both groups received capsules with omega 3/6 fatty acids twice a day.
Children’s reading abilities were tested before the study, 3 months after receiving Omega 3/6 fatty acids or placebo, and at the end of the study. The reading tests included reading speed, non-word reading, and vocabulary.
Researchers found that at 3 months, children who received Omega 3/6 showed better phonological processing and visual analysis than children who received placebo.
In addition, children with high ADHD scores showed Omega 3/6 benefits in visual analysis, phonological processing and reading speed. Adverse effects were rare and mild, with 9 children had stomach pain when taking Omega 3/6 and 2 children had stomach pain when taking placebo.
Researchers suggest that 3 months of Omega 3/6 treatment can improve reading ability in schoolchildren. In particular, children with attention problems can benefit from Omega 3/6.
Food naturally rich in Omega 3:
- Wild salmon, sardines, anchovies, shad and trout
- Flaxseed oil, flaxseeds, pumpkin seeds, Brazil nuts, sesame seeds
- Avocado
- Kale, spinach, mustard green, collards, and purslane
Food naturally rich in Omega 6:
- Flaxseed oil, flaxseeds, hempseeds, grapeseed oil
- Pumpkin seeds, pine nuts, raw sunflower seeds
- Borage oil, black current seed oil
- Acai
Citation: Johnson M, et al. (2016). Omega 3/6 fatty acids for reading in children: a randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled trial in 9-year-old mainstream schoolchildren in Sweden. Journal of Child Psychology and Psychiatry, published online. doi: 10.1111/jcpp.12614.
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