Pupils test fish brain food pills

Supplements are said to improve the ability to learn

Schoolchildren across Teesside are to take fish oil supplements in the hope of boosting their brain power.

Children at Loftus Junior School and Eston Park Comprehensive have been taking the pills and teachers believe their concentration has improved.

Now Redcar and Cleveland Council wants more research to be carried out into the benefit of the oils and urged more schools to take part in trials.

Previous studies have shown fish oils improve concentration and learning.

The council's children's services overview and scrutiny committee chair, Councillor Mary Ovens, said: "We're not saying this is some sort of magic formula."

We would also like more schools to consider taking part in these trials Councillor Mary Ovens

"There's no doubt that the results have been very encouraging in some cases and the scrutiny committee felt everyone would benefit from more consultation," she added.

"We would also like more schools to consider taking part in these trials because of the possible benefits and so we can look and compare more data."

Fish oil is rich in omega-3 fatty acids and is said to have a range of health benefits including boosting the ability to learn, reducing the chances of a heart attack and improving foetal growth in pregnant women.

Omega-3-rich fish include salmon, sardines, kippers and mackerel.