http://www.ananova.com/news/story/sm_586558.html

Food supplements may prompt enormous improvement in the educational abilities of children with learning difficulties.

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

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 in the middle of 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 for those blighted by neuro-developmental disorders such as dyslexia, dyspraxia, attention deficiency hyper-activity (ADHA) disorder and autistic spectrum disorder.

The study is being conducted in primary schools across County Durham by a research team headed by Dr Madelaine Portwood. It is based on the belief that deficiencies in fatty acids can cause serious learning difficulties.

Analysis at the halfway stage of the study has shown remarkable advances among some children taking the supplements.

Dr Portwood said: "This really is a major landmark study which could make a real difference. The signs are very encouraging but obviously the full results will not be available until September."

The project has also shown significant lifestyle improvements for children who have benefited from greater confidence. There is a possibility the study could be widened to children of ordinary learning ability and to adults if the study continues to be successful.

Story filed: 10:37 Monday 13th May 2002

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