The research was carried out by the Dyscovery Centre in Cardiff, which specialises in offering multi-disciplinary support for people with learning difficulties and dyspraxia, and involved a sample of 120 children from 23 schools across the UK. The children, aged six to 11, received two doses of a combined Omega-3 and vitamins supplement every day for six weeks.
Teachers and parents were asked to rate the apparent effect of the supplement on the children's behaviour, and results revealed significant improvements. The children were reported to be more conscientious, better at paying attention, and more alert and focused .
The improvement is thought to occur because many children are deficient in Omega-3 fatty acids. These acids improve brain function by making it easier for electrical signals to cross the synapses, or gaps, between individual brain cells.
Omega-3 fatty acids must be obtained from food, as they cannot be made in the body. Good sources include mackerel, salmon and sardines.
Government health advice recommends that people eat two portions of oily fish a week. However, more than two-thirds of families admit to eating no fish at all.
Dr Amanda Kirby, medical director of the Dyscovery Centre and author of the report, said she was surprised by the findings.
She said, 'These results are very interesting. The children in the study have shown a significant improvement in attention and behaviour, which will mean they are learning better and therefore learning more, which has long-term implications.'