Effect of DHA Supplementation on Cognitive Performance and Growth in Chinese Children

Effect of Dietary DHA Supplementation on Cognitive Performance and Growth in Chinese School Children: A Randomized Controlled Study

The purpose of this study is to determine whether DHA supplement (in a daily dose of 300 mg) will improve the cognitive performance, associated metabolism and growth in normal children aged 6-12 years in primary schools.

Inclusion Criteria:

1. Children aged 6-12 years from primary schools.
2. Healthy as assessed by a physician.
3. Willing to participate in the study, consume the test product and perform all measurements including cognitive testing, blood drawing, urine samples, anthropometry and questionnaires.
4. Willing to maintain current dietary habits and intend to stay in the study area for ≥ one year.
5. Informed consent signed by parent or caregiver and oral consent given by child.

Exclusion Criteria:

1. Children with obvious mental and physical handicaps.
2. Children taking medication which interferes with study measurements (e.g., psychoactive medications or medications expected to affect behavior and learning).
3. Taking dietary supplements already.
4. Suffering major life events (immediate family death, parents divorce, etc.) within six months.