Cognitive Effects of Omega-3 Supplements in Children With Mild to Moderate Malnutrition

Adequate nutrition is one of the most critical biological processes to learning and cognitive development of children, and malnourishment is understandable these processes are affected. Moreover, in recent decades is has been investigated the beneficial effects of Omega-3 in cognitive development and academic performance. However, studies have been limited. The present study will investigate the efficacy of omega-3 fatty acids supplement on cognition and academic performance in children attending elementary school.

The study will follow a randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled design in which children aged 6-12 years will followed for a period of three months to assess cognitive development, academic performance and nutritional status . Intervention will take place in elementary schools, where children will receive two intervention products daily and one more in their houses. The products will contain omega-3 fatty acids, placebo, or only neuropsychological evaluation (control group with normal nutrition children). At baseline, and 3months cognitive tests will be administered and assess nutritional status. Compliance will be measured weekly.

We hypothesize that after 12 months of intervention, children consuming omega-3 fatty acids will have statistically significant higher improvement in scores on cognitive tests, than placebo and normal nutrition children.

Inclusion criteria

• Children aged 8- 12 years that attending the selected elementary schools.
• Whit no problems for swallowing pills.
• Willing to participate in the study and perform all measurements including anthropometry and cognitive evaluation
• Informed consent signed by parent or caregiver.
• Parents intend to stay in the study for three months.

Exclusion criteria

• Neurological and/or hormonal illnesses.
• Children using medication which interferes with study measurements.
• Omega-3 or any other vitamin supplements consumption within the last 6 months.