Could fish make my child smart?.

Horizon investigates whether or not omega3 fish oils really do have an effect on a child's intelligence. The programme begins by looking back to when the potential of fish oil was first discovered by Hugh Sinclair in 1956. We also hear about how different cultures which have a lot of fish oil in their diets are protected against some forms of heart disease. People who believe in the power of omega3 oils believe it can help in cases of ADHD, autism, Alzheimers, depression and heart problems - we hear a case of a man with severe depression who was 'cured' with an increase of fish oils. Oily fish is also thought to be important for pregnant women as it seems to cross the placenta and help foetal brain development. Finally there is a controlled study with schoolchildren, some of whom are given an omega3 supplement and some a placebo. The results show a marked increase in concentration in the omega3-taking group.