Omega-3 and kids: we want proof

A major new clinical trial into the effects of omega-3 and cognitive function in children has proved inconclusive.

An approved health claim about omega-3 and children's mental performance - the holy grail for many manufacturers, therefore remains some way off, according to Martek Biosciences, which conducted the trial.

Many companies - notably Dairy Crest and Premier Foods - currently allude to the fact that their products could help children in the classroom.

However, the science supporting this theory is still somewhat lacking and some firms have already clashed with advertising watchdogs for failing to substantiate claims, said Dr Bryan Hanley, director of scientific and regulatory affairs for Martek Biosciences who unveiled the results of Martek's latest trial at the conference.

While there is a lot of research into the beneficial effects of long chain omega-3s on infant brain development and cognitive function in older children with behavioural disorders, clinical studies have so far failed to prove that they can improve the cognitive skills of 'normal' children, he said.

Martek, which produces the omega-3 fatty acid DHA (docosahexaenoic acid) from microalgae, had hoped its trial with four-year-olds would provide more definitive evidence to support the theory that omega-3 can assist memory, processing speed and error rates in healthy children.

However, the results of the study of more than 200 children were inconclusive, chiefly because baseline scores achieved by subjects in cognitive tests prior to supplementation with DHA were so high (often 100%) that demonstrating an improvement was virtually impossible, admitted Martek.