The Dyslexia Research Trust has financed many studies that have shown that children with dyslexia, dyspraxia, ADHD or combinations of these can often benefit from taking fish oil supplements. These provide the long-chain polyunsaturated fatty acids that make up 20% of the weight of the brain.
The omega-3 fatty acids EPA and DHA can only be obtained easily from oily fish, but they are particularly essential for sharp brain function.
One double-blind randomised control trial showed that 3 months of supplementing fish oil capsules helped the reading, spelling and concentration of children with dyspraxia; their reading age improved by a massive 9 months in the 3 months of the trial. (1)
Another study measured the whole blood fatty acid content of 493 schoolchildren, aged 7–9 years, from mainstream schools in England. They found that lower blood levels of the omega-3 DHA were associated with poorer reading ability and working memory (2).
Key Actions for Increasing Omega 3
Increasing dietary intake of oily fish such as mackerel, salmon, trout or sardines. An omega-3 supplement may also help to increase blood omega-3 levels. Efamol produce supplements in liquid and capsules suitable for children, see https://www.efamol.com/. Many others are available. Take as recommended on the box. For vegans and vegetarians, there are many plant-based omega-3 supplements available derived from algae.