Omegas 3, 6 & DCD (2005)
This study investigated omegas 3, 6 & DCD. DCD (Developmental Coordination Disorder) is associated with core deficits in motor function as well as difficulties in learning, behaviour and psychosocial adjustment that persist into adulthood. In a randomised, controlled trial, 117 children with DCD aged 5-12 years were given omega-3 and omega-6 fatty acid supplements or placebo for 3 months. At this point all children received the omega-3 and omega-6 supplements for a further 3 months. While there appeared to be no effect on motor skills, there were significant improvements in reading, spelling and behaviour in the children on the essential fat supplements compared with those on placebo and then similar improvements were seen for the placebo group once they started supplementation.
A J Richardson & P Montgomery, ‘The Oxford-Durham study: a randomized, controlled trial of dietary supplementation with fatty acids in children with developmental coordination disorder ‘, Pediatrics, 115(5):1360-6, 2005