DHA (docosahexaenoic acid) is an omega-3 fatty acid found in fish oil and is a key structural component of the developing brain. A study published in Clinical Pediatrics (2008 May;47(4):355–362) evaluated whether DHA supplementation could influence cognitive performance in young children.

The study included 175 healthy four-year-olds, who were randomly assigned to receive either:

  • 400 mg of DHA per day, or

  • A placebo

Children completed four standardized cognitive tests both before supplementation and again after four months.

Study Findings

  • Children receiving DHA experienced a 300% increase in blood DHA levels.

  • Higher DHA levels were linked with better performance on the Peabody Picture Vocabulary Test, a measure of listening comprehension and vocabulary.

  • For every 1% increase in serum DHA, researchers observed up to a nine-point improvement on the vocabulary test.

These findings suggest that DHA status may play an important role in supporting language-related cognitive skills in early childhood.

Educational only — not medical advice.