BACKGROUND:
Omega-3 fatty acids are central to brain-development of children. Evidence from clinical trials and systematic reviews demonstrates the potential of long-chain Omega-3 supplementation for learning and behavior. However, findings are inconclusive and in need of robust replication studies since such work is lacking.
OBJECTIVES:
Replication of the 2012 DOLAB 1 study findings that a dietary supplementation with the long-chain omega-3 docosahexaenoicacid (DHA) had beneficial effects on the reading, working memory, and behavior of healthy schoolchildren.
DESIGN:
Parallel group, fixed-dose, randomized (minimization, 30% random element), double-blind, placebo-controlled trial (RCT).
SETTING:
Mainstream primary schools (n = 84) from five counties in the UK in 2012-2015.
PARTICIPANTS:
Healthy children aged 7-9 underperforming in reading (<20th centile). 1230 invited, 376 met study criteria.
INTERVENTION:
600 mg/day DHA (from algal oil), placebo: taste/color matched corn/soybean oil; for 16 weeks.
MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES:
Age-standardized measures of reading, working memory, and behavior, parent-rated and as secondary outcome teacher-rated.
RESULTS:
376 children were randomized. Reading, working memory, and behavior change scores showed no consistent differences between intervention and placebo group. Some behavioral subscales showed minor group differences.
CONCLUSIONS:
This RCT did not replicate results of the earlier DOLAB 1 study on the effectiveness of nutritional supplementation with DHA for learning and behavior. Possible reasons are discussed, particularly regarding the replication of complex interventions.

PMID: 29462158

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