Schoolchildren given a supplement containing a mix of vitamins, minerals and omega-3 for 12 weeks were better behaved at school, researchers found in a study published in the British Journal of Nutrition. Experts say the findings add to a body of evidence showing deficiencies in young people’s diets can contribute towards poor brain health and antisocial behaviour. Omega-3 is known to be vital for healthy brain function, and past studies have shown it can improve discipline and reduce the symptoms of ADHD. One trial found a combination of omega-3 could be almost as effective as the drug Ritalin at controlling ADHD symptoms in teenagers. Dr Jonathan Tammam, the principal researcher said the results were significant but that parents should initially try to improve their children’s levels of vitamins, minerals and omega-3 through changing their diet. He said: ‘When we looked at the children’s diets a third was made up of foods high in sugar and fat, like crisps and sweets. Their diet was poor. ‘Improving this, flipping their diet so a third came from fruits and vegetables, and eating more oily fish, would raise nutrient levels and protect against bad behaviour.’
The children’s behaviour was assessed using the Conner’s scale, a validated measure of discipline and emotional problems. Using this scale, the team found the behaviour of students receiving the supplements improved, while the behaviour of the pupils receiving the placebo worsened. Taking the supplement reduced episodes of bad behaviour by 50 per cent – suggesting omega-3 can protect against antisocial conduct. Dr Tammam said: ‘From the point of a school that’s quite significant.’ He continued: ‘Our research adds to the growing body of evidence that nutrition can impact the cognitive health and behaviour of children. ‘These findings have implications for public health policy and the aim of understanding how improvements in dietary intake can benefit the health and lives of individuals and society.’