A randomised control trial in schoolchildren showed improvement in cognitive function after consuming a bread spread, containing fish flour from a marine source.
BACKGROUND
In humans, n-3 long-chain polyunsaturated fatty acids play a well-documented role in brain development and function. Docosahexaenoic acid and arachidonic acid are major structural components of the brain and a deficiency thereof may bring about changes in the behaviour domains of the brain.


OBJECTIVE
This trial investigated the effect of an experimental fish-flour bread spread rich in n-3 long-chain polyunsaturated fatty acids, on cognition of children (7-9yr).


METHODS
Subjects (n=183) were randomly assigned to an experimental (n=91) and control group (n=92), receiving either the fish-flour spread or a placebo spread for 6 months in a single-blind study. Plasma and red blood cell phospholipid fatty acid composition and cognition were measured at baseline and post-intervention.


RESULTS
After the intervention, eicosapentaenoic and docosahexaenoic acid levels were significantly higher in the experimental group compared to the control group (p< 0.0001). Significant intervention effects were also observed for the Hopkins Verbal Learning Test Recognition (estimated effect size: 0.80; 95% confidence interval (CI): 0.15; 1.45) and Discrimination Index (estimated effect size: 1.10; 95% CI: 0.30; 1.91), as well as the Spelling test (estimated effect size: 2.81; 95% CI: 0.59; 5.02) by both per protocol and intention to treat analyses. A marginally significant (p=0.0646) effect was observed for the Reading test (estimated effect size: 2.21; 95% CI: -0.14; 4.56) only in the per protocol analysis.


CONCLUSIONS
This study suggests improvement of verbal learning ability and memory of children when supplemented with a fish-flour spread rich in n-3 long-chain polyunsaturated fatty acids.
Dalton
Annalien
A
Nutritional Intervention Research Unit, Medical Research Council, P.O. Box 19070, Tygerberg 7505, South Africa.
Wolmarans
Petronella
P
Witthuhn
Regina C
RC
van Stuijvenberg
Martha E
ME
Swanevelder
Sonja A
SA
Smuts
Cornelius M
CM
D016718:Arachidonic Acid / Q000032:analysis; D002648:Child; D003071:Cognition / Q000187:drug effects* / Q000502:physiology*; D019587:Dietary Supplements; D004281:Docosahexaenoic Acids / Q000032:analysis; D015118:Eicosapentaenoic Acid / Q000032:analysis; D004910:Erythrocyte Membrane / Q000737:chemistry; D005260:Female; D005394:Fish Flour / Q000032:analysis; D006801:Humans; D007858:Learning / Q000187:drug effects; D008297:Male; D000073878:Palm Oil; D010743:Phospholipids / Q000097:blood / Q000737:chemistry; D010938:Plant Oils / Q000494:pharmacology; D011932:Reading
D010743:Phospholipids; D010938:Plant Oils; D004281:Docosahexaenoic Acids; D016718:Arachidonic Acid; D000073878:Palm Oil; D015118:Eicosapentaenoic Acid