Kids' brains boosted by pills

Four children whose mental abilities were suddenly improved after they took a simple dietary supplement have astonished scientists.

Scans showed their brains underwent three years' worth of development in just three months.

At the same time they displayed remarkable improvements in tests of reading, concentration, problem-solving and memory.

One boy who previously avoided books and was hooked on TV developed a love of reading and declared he was "bored" of television.

The three boys and one girl, aged between eight and 13, were taking part in a pilot study looking at the effects of diet on developing young brains.

Scientists believe the results are powerful evidence of the harm "junk food" is doing to Britain's children.

At the start of the study the children were given a supplement called VegEPA, which contains a combination of omega-3 and omega-6 essential fatty acids.

They took two capsules a day for three months and were also encouraged to cut down on fatty snacks and fizzy drinks and be more active.

At the end of the study period the children were put through a battery of tests and given hi-tech proton spectroscopy scans that look at biochemical changes in the brain.

Dramatic improvements were seen in every area. The children showed an increase in reading age of well over a year, their handwriting became neater and more accurate, and they paid more attention in class.

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