Key opinion formers are to tackle the issue of children's brain and concentration development at a press briefing taking place in London today. The event comes as results of a consumer trial released this week show that supplementing children's diets with a DHA concentration syrup can lead to an increase in concentration levels.
The initial trial conducted on children aged 3-11 years looked at the behavioural changes seen over a one-month period when their diets were supplemented daily with a DHA concentration syrup with vitamins A, C, D and E.
Dr Peter Willatts, from the University of Dundee, said: "The results suggest that DHA is important in the brain for regulating attention and controlling behaviour, and that concentration levels can be increased by providing a supplement of DHA."
"More research is being undertaken, but if DHA does produce improvements in the behaviour of normal children, then there are likely to be many benefits, particularly in the classroom," he added.Leading experts in brain chemistry and human nutrition will meet today at the press briefing today, entitled 'Concentrate on DHA', to discuss why children's dietary habits may be affecting brain and concentration development and what can be done about it.
Key speakers include Dr Michael Crawford, of the Institute of Brain Chemistry and Human Nutrition and Dr Amanda Kirby, a GP and founder of The Dyscovery Centre for children and adults with learning difficulties.
The experts will focus on the essential role DHA plays in infants' brain development and the effects of a daily dose of DHA, in conjunction with a healthy diet, on maintaining the brain's efficacy and boosting learning and concentration levels. They are also to talk about the idea that in a 'quick fix' society, it is time to face up to nutrition issues and find a less pragmatic approach to children's health.
Discussing the possible link between children's diet, DHA deficient-, and specific learning disorders, the experts are aiming to outline practical steps and a possible solution to DHA deficiency.