The Study
EPA and DHA are long chain fatty acids in the Omega 3 family. Good sources are salmon, sardines, tuna, mackerel and herring. They have a lot of health benefits. In this interesting study, 557 eight year olds from Singapore had their fasting long chain fatty acids measured by nuclear magnetic resonance spectroscopy. Their diets were also measured by means of a validated food frequency questionnaire at age 7.
Academic performance was measured by the Wechsler Individual Achievement Test III at age 9 and at age 12, their primary school final examination scores were obtained.
The percent of long chain fatty acids was associated with higher reading fluency, better spelling and significantly greater scores on their primary school final exams.
American Journal of Clinical Nutrition 2026;123:101233
Take Home Message
There is more and more research showing that our diet influences our brain function. This can often translate to improved academic or work performance when making the right dietary choices. Although word has gotten out somewhat in the last few years, I am not sure that people fully realize how what we eat shapes every facet of our lives.
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