New results for fish oil trials

The supplements contained fish and evening primrose oil

Tests to measure how taking fish oil supplements can improve children's behaviour produced "stunning" results, according to researchers.

Students aged 12 to 15 with Attention Deficit-Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD) at a school in County Durham were involved in the project.

It found there were significant improvements after taking a blended oil supplement for three months.

It follows another study last year involving primary school pupils.

The trials involved a cocktail of omega-3 fish oil and omega-6 evening primrose oil.

'Exclusion risk'

Pre-trial assessment of a group of students at Greenfield Community Arts College, in Newton Aycliffe, showed 94% had moderate or severe ratings for ADHD, 94% had the same inattention scale rating and 89% were rated as having severe impulsivity.

After taking the supplement for three months, severe ADHD reduced to 28%, as did severe impulsivity, and severe inattention fell to 17%.

Durham County Council senior education psychologist Dr Madeleine Portwood said: "These trials were undertaken with a group of potentially vulnerable students with persistent behavioural difficulties and who were at risk of exclusion.

"By taking the fatty acid supplement, those aspects of their behaviour which put them at risk of exclusion improved dramatically.

"With permanent school exclusions nationally having risen by 19% since 1999/2000, 68% of them among the 12 to 14-year-old age group, our most recent trials suggest a clear route to improvement."