Effect of Omega-3 Fatty Acids on Sleep and Behavior (Pilot Study)

Previous studies show omega-3 fatty acid supplements improve adolescent's antisocial behavior. However it is less known whether the same effect could be achieved in younger children. Furthermore it is not known whether omega-3 fatty acids could also improve parental behavior and parenting style which could further reduce behavioral problems in children. Moreover, we recently found that children who consume fish more frequently have less sleep problems but it is not known whether omega-3 supplements could also potentially improve children's sleep. We aim to test several hypotheses in this random controlled trial of omega-3 fatty acids.

The study design will consist of a double-blind, randomized placebo-controlled trial of children and their caregivers in a community sample in the city of Philadelphia. It will utilize a random parallel design, in which child and mother pairs will be randomly assigned to either omega-3 supplementation (treatment condition) or a placebo (control condition). This results in 2 groups: (1) child and caregiver both receiving omega-3 and (2) both parent and child receiving the placebo. Treatment will last 45 days. Assessments will take place at 0 months (baseline), 45 days (end of supplementation) and 90 days (45 days after the end of treatment).

Inclusion criteria

• child between ages 5-9 with mother available to participate in intervention study

Exclusion criteria

• intellectual disability
• significant psychiatric and physical illness
• extensive use of nutritional supplements within the past three months
• seafood allergy
• diabetes