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Omega-3s May Reduce Child Behavior Issues

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By: Sean Moloughney

Editor, Nutraceuticals World

Omega-3 fatty acids may help improve childhood behavior problems, according to research published in the Journal of Child Psychology and Psychiatry in May.

In this randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled, stratified, parallel-group trial, a community sample of 8 to 16 year old children were randomized into a treatment group (N = 100) and a placebo-control group (N = 100). The supplementation consisted of a fruit drink containing 1 g/day of omega-3 or a placebo consisting of the same fruit drink without omega-3.

Participants, caregivers and research assistants were blinded to group assignment. The primary outcome measures of externalizing and internalizing behavior problems were reported by both caregivers and their children in a laboratory setting at 0 months (baseline), 6 months (end of treatment) and 12 months (6 months post treatment), together with the secondary outcome measures of parental antisocial behavior. Data were analyzed on an intention-to-treat basis including all participants.

Significant group × time interactions were observed with the treatment group showing long-term improvements in child behavior problems. The average post-treatment effect size was d = −.59. Effects were documented for parent reports, but with the exception of proactive and reactive aggression, child-report data were non-significant. Parents whose children took omega-3 showed significant post-treatment reductions in their own antisocial and aggressive behavior. This improvement in caregiver behavior partly mediated the improvements observed in child behavior.

Researchers concluded that findings provide initial evidence that omega-3 supplementation can produce sustained reductions in externalizing and internalizing behavior problems. Results are the first to report improvements in caregiver behavior, and to establish this improvement as a part-mechanism for the efficacy of omega-3. NW

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