DHA (Docosahexaenoic acid) in children:
DHA (Docosahexaenoic acid) in 7-9 year old children: Richardson AJ et al performed a randomized, double blind placebo controlled trial in which a total of 362, 7-9 year-old children were administered 600 mg of DHA or vegetable oil placebo per day. The initial reading ability of 224 children which scored equal to or under the 20th percentile gained a reading age of 0.8 months more in scores with the DHA supplement. Those that were initially in the 10th percentile or under gained 1.9 months in reading age score. There was no significant improvement in the working memory of children taking DHA. This study also evaluated 14 specific measurements of an ADHD (Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder) symptom scale in the children such as restlessness, change in mood, and resistant behavior. There was a significant placebo effect, but a significant amount of improvement in 8 of the 14 ADHD parameters measured over placebo. The parents of the children noted the benefit, but no significant improvement was seen by the teachers. (43)