Food supplements may help children with learning difficulties, a study shows.

A major trial into the benefits fish and plant extracts have on concentration and learning levels has produced results likely to astound parents.

One child's reading skills improved by the equivalent of four years after just 12 weeks of taking the supplements.

In other cases learning ability was boosted by two years in the same 12-week period, believed to be a direct result of taking extra vitamins and minerals.

Children at 13 primary schools are being assessed over a six-month period to analyse the effect of dietary supplements.

A total of 120 youngsters, aged six to 11, are taking part in the study, which is already showing signs that food supplements bring enormous benefits.

Children suffering from neuro-developmental disorders such as dyslexia, dyspraxia, attention deficiency hyper-activity disorder and autistic spectrum disorder are taking part in the research.

Half of the pupils are being given daily supplements, the other half receiving a placebo. Neither group is aware of which they are taking.

The study is being conducted in primary schools across County Durham by a research team headed by Dr Madelaine Portwood, of Durham County Council's Education Authority.

It is based on the belief that deficiencies in fatty acids can cause serious learning difficulties, which owe more to a child's metabolism than their neurological condition.

　　From healthy.net