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[Definitie:] "An ergogenic aid is any substance or phenomenon that enhances performance."
(Wilmore and Costill) 
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How a little fish oil helps pupils to scale new heights in class
RAYMOND DUNCAN It could explain why fish swim in schools. Their oil, if new research involving one Scots primary is to be believed, makes children pay more attention in class. Grandma always swore cod liver oil was good for the brain. Now pupils at St Cuthbert's in Edinburgh, along with hundreds south of the border, have shown there are other behavioural benefits. A charity specialising in supporting individuals and their families with specific learning difficulties surveyed mainstream pupils willing to take part in the UK's largest study into fish oil. A group of children at St Cuthbert's, the only Scottish school involved, took part in the research which examined the impact of taking a regular dose over six weeks. They were given two teaspoons daily, before they left home, of a specially-formulated Omega 3 syrup consisting of orange juice, fish oil, and Vitamins A, C and D. While the taste caused two pupils to drop out, others stayed the course and results showed their behaviour and concentration levels improved by 38% during the study, one of the highest levels of all schools taking part. Dr Amanda Kirby, medical director of the Cardiff-based Dyscovery Centre, spoke of her surprise at the findings of the research, conducted with the University of Wales. "The key thing here is that these children in mainstream classes have shown such a significant improvement in attention and behaviour, which will mean they are learning better and therefore learning more." Some nutritionists believe children do not get enough Omega 3 resulting in attention problems and learning difficulties because it is vital to brain function. The oil of fish – the government recommends two portions a week – is a major dietary source of docosahexaenoic acid, the polyunsaturated fatty acid which is important for growth, functional development and for information processing in the brain of children.
The body is unable to manufacture Omega 3 fatty acids, which have to be eaten and are found in supplements such as fish oil and cod liver oil. However, 68% of families admit to eating no fish. The research results at St Cuthbert's showed pupils be-came more conscientious, paid better attention and were more alert. Susan Veal, primary six teacher, said: "Some parents were eager for their children to continue because they felt they had seen benefits." Nadia Pettie, 10, completed the course and has continued her intake. While her mother, Lorraine, from the Redhall area of Edinburgh, thinks it has helped her concentrate more on her homework, Nadia saw it as providing leisure benefits. 3 She said: "I like it. It's made me swim better and I can now do a full length." Just days ago, Australian researchers found fish oil supplements appeared to ward off asthma symptoms. |
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