Folic acid & Children (2010)

This study explored the impact of folic acid on children. Dutch researchers report that the children of mothers who took folic acid supplements during pregnancy were better at internalising and externalising problems, compared to the children of mothers who did not take supplements. The researchers also suggested that supplementation during pregnancy may reduce incidence of mental health conditions in children, although this area requires further research.

Roza, S. J., van Batenburg-Eddes, T., Steegers, E. A., Jaddoe, V. W., Mackenbach, J. P., Hofman, A., Verhulst, F. C., & Tiemeier, H. (2010). Maternal folic acid supplement use in early pregnancy and child behavioural problems: The Generation R Study. The British journal of nutrition, 103(3), 445–452.

Click here for the abstract

Behaviour, Cognition & Children (2007)

This study explored behaviour, cognition and children. In this preliminary study, researchers investigated the relationship between lead, zinc and iron levels and cognition and behaviour in school children within a lower income population. Forty-two children, aged between 3 and 5 participated in the study. Nutrient status was assessed using blood samples. Behaviour was assessed by teacher’s using the California Preschool Social Competency Scale, Howes’ Sociability subscale, and the Preschool Behaviour Questionnaire and cognition was tested using the McCarthy Scales of Children’s Abilities.

The findings from this study are preliminary and should be interpreted with caution, particularly as the sample size was small. However, associations were seen between low zinc levels and higher anxiety as well as lower verbal scores. High lead levels were associated with lower teacher ratings of sociability and classroom social competence in girls. Children with both low zinc and low iron had the lowers verbal scores, although this result did not reach significance. The study does, however, contribute to the literature showing that levels of essential vitamins and minerals and toxic metals can impact children’s cognition and behaviour.

Hubbs-Tait, L. et al., ‘Zinc, Iron, and Lead: Relations to Head Start Children’s Cognitive Scores and Teachers’ Ratings of Behavior’, Journal of the American Dietetic Association, 107(1), 128-133, January 2007

Click here for the abstract

Omega 3, Depression & Bipolar (2007)

This study investigated omega 3, depression and bipolar. A meta-analysis (review of studies to date) by scientists in Taiwan suggests that omega-3 fatty acids have significant antidepressant effects in patients with depression and bipolar disorder. The researchers interpret the results cautiously, however, and recommend large-scale, well-controlled trials are conducted to determine who would benefit most from fish oils, what level of dose is required and specific composition of fish oils that should be used .

Lin PY and Su KP. ‘A meta-analytic review of double-blind, placebo-controlled trials of antidepressant efficacy of omega-3 fatty acids’  J Clin Psychiatry, 2007 Jul;68(7):1056-61

Click here for the abstract

Omega 3 & Bipolar (2006)

This paper investigated omega 3 & bipolar. In a 12-week, double-blind study individuals with bipolar depression received either 1 g of EPA a day, 2 g/day or placebo, alongside their existing medication. Effectiveness of this treatment was assessed using the Hamilton Rating Scale for Depression (HRSD), as well as the Young Mania Rating Scale and Clinical Global Impression Scale (CGI). Significant improvement was seen with the EPA compared with placebo in the HRSD (P=0.04) and the CGI (P=0.004) scores. There was no apparent benefit of 2 g over 1 g dose. Both doses were well tolerated.

S Frangou et al., ‘Efficacy of ethyl-eicosapentaenoic acid in bipolar depression: randomised double-blind placebo-controlled study’, Br J Psychiatry, 188:46-50, 2006

Click here for the abstract

Beta Carotene & Memory (2007)

This study investigated beta carotene & memory. In an 18 year study of over four thousand middle-aged to elderly men, those who took 50mg of beta-carotene on alternate days scored much better in tests of general cognition and verbal memory than those who took a placebo.

Grodstein F et al.,  ‘A Randomized Trial of Beta Carotene Supplementation and Cognitive Function in Men: The Physicians’ Health Study II’. Arch Intern Med. 2007 Nov 12;167(20):2184-90.

Click here for the abstract

Breast Milk & Brain Health (2008)

This study investigated breast milk and brain health. In a study of 17,046 babies, followed for 6.5 years, those that were breastfed scored better on all measures of intelligence and academic skills of reading and writing than those who were not.

Kramer M S et al., Breastfeeding and Child Cognitive Development New Evidence From a Large Randomized Trial, Arch Gen Psychiatry. 2008;65(5):578-584

Click here for the abstract

Omega 3 & Depression (2007)

The study investigated omega 3 & depression. In a small study, specific areas of the brains of deceased patients who had suffered from Major Depressive Disorder (MDD) were compared with the brains of ‘age-matched normal controls’. The omega-3 fatty acid DHA was significantly different (-22%) in the brains of the individuals with depression, compared to the normal controls. Interestingly, there was a greater difference when comparing the female brains than when comparing the male brains. This study suggests that DHA deficiency may be a contributory factor in depressive disorders, particularly in females.

McNamara RK et al., Selective deficits in the omega-3 fatty acid docosahexaenoic acid in the postmortem orbitofrontal cortex of patients with major depressive disorder. Biol Psychiatry. 2007 Jul 1;62(1):17-24.

Click here for the abstract

Fish & Memory (2014)

This study investigated fish & memory. In this study, 260 healthy people were assessed for their level of fish consumption, their cognitive function and also underwent an MRI to assess their brain volume twice with a 10-year interval. It was found that those who ate baked or grilled fish on a weekly basis had better cognitive function and better levels of grey matter in their brain.

Click here for abstract

Raji, C. A., Erickson, K. I., Lopez, O. L., Kuller, L. H., Gach, H. M., Thompson, P. M., Riverol, M., & Becker, J. T. (2014). Regular fish consumption and age-related brain gray matter loss. American journal of preventive medicine, 47(4), 444–451. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.amepre.2014.05.037

Homocysteine & Brain Atrophy (2002)

The study investigated homocysteine & brain atrophy. Through MRI examination of the brains of 36 healthy elderly individuals, results indicated that there appears to be an association between brain atrophy (shrinking) and higher levels of homocysteine. However, due to the small sample size further research is required to substantiate these findings further.

P S Sachdev et al., ‘Relationship between plasma homocysteine levels and brain atrophy in healthy elderly individuals’, Neurology, 58(10):1539-41, 2002

Click here for the abstract

Homocysteine associated with brain atrophy in the healthy elderly. Sachdev, Neurology, 58(10):1539-41, 2002

Omega 3 & Cognitive Performance (2007)

This research investigated omega 3 & cognitive performance. Dutch researchers used data from a trial involving 404 men and women (average age 60 at the start). The researchers report that higher blood levels of omega-3 fatty acids was associated with a 60 % lower decline in mental processing speed over three years.

Dullemeijer C et al., ‘n 3 Fatty acid proportions in plasma and cognitive performance in older adults’, Am J Clin Nutr. 2007 Nov;86(5):1479-85

Click here for the abstract