Trial shows exam boost from diet

Scores of children took part in the trial

More evidence has emerged to support a link between diet, sleep and water intake and improved exam success.

An experiment involving secondary pupils in County Durham revealed that two-thirds who supplemented their diet improved their exam performance.

The study, at a school in Newton Aycliffe, saw pupils take in natural fish oils, more fatty acids, regular drinks and have regulated sleep.

A full report on the study is expected to be seen by the government in July.

Andrew Westerman, a former County Durham head teacher and consultant to the Department for Education and Skills' National Remodelling Team, declared the results "stunning."

Mr Westerman said: "This trial looked at how we can improve children's behaviour and learning through the use of supplementation.

There are a number of simple things parents can do to help their children perform better in testing situations Andrew Westerman, National Remodelling Team

"We used a fish oil supplements called IQ to achieve that and we were stunned by the results, particularly in the areas like memory and concentration."

Mr Westerman says the study results question current psychological methods of addressing lack of concentration or learning difficulties among one-in-six UK school age children.

He added: "Everybody knows that diet, sleep and water are important, but now we actually have the evidence to prove that."

The trials were carried out at Greenfield School Community and Arts College.

Mr Westerman added: "We had children whose reading age, memory and concentration leapt in just a short period of time. It was stunning to see the changes.

'Regular carbohydrates'

"Ultimately we want to see a change in diet, but it is going to take a while for this to take effect.

"There are a number of simple things parents can do to help their children perform better in testing situations.

"It's important to get enough water to drink because a lack of water is the number one trigger for daytime fatigue.

"Other things are to do with energy supply to the brain. This means no sugar spikes and regular carbohydrates like bananas and avocados."

Mr Westerman said the study findings were a "breakthrough" for schools looking for improvements in classroom behaviour and concentration.

A similar study in primary age children in County Durham revealed almost identical results.