Docosahexaenoic Acid (DHA) Oxford Learning and Behavior (DOLAB) trial is a parallel group, fixed-dose, randomized, double-blind, placebo controlled trial (RCT) conducted to assess the effects of algal DHA supplementation on reading, working memory and behavior in healthy school children.
Algal DHA supplementation significantly improved reading (standardized scores) as depicted in Fig.1.
Algal DHA supplementation led to an additional 1.9 month gain in reading age (approximately 50% greater than expected) in children with baseline reading scores <10th percentile.
Algal DHA supplementation showed a trend towards better scores on working memory.
Parent-rated behavior problems (ADHD-type symptoms) were significantly reduced by algal DHA treatment.
This study provides the first evidence that dietary supplementation with DHA is a safe and effective way to improve learning and behavior in healthy children from the general school population. The supplement was found to be safe and well tolerated.
Richardson AJ, Burton JR, Sewell RP, et al. Docosahexaenoic acid for reading, cognition and behavior in children aged 7-9 years: A randomized, controlled trial (the DOLAB Study). PLoS One.2012;7(9):e43909.
