Many school-aged children struggle with reading, the most fundamental educational skill, according to the most recent report by the National Assessment of Educational Progress (NAEP). Early reading skills provide the foundation for children’s academic success, and poor readers are at risk of developing academic problems and social and behavioral problems, making it imperative to identify strategies to improve reading.

One strategy is proper nutrition. A recent study found incorporating DHA omega-3 from algae into a child’s diet helps those who are underperforming catch up to their peers in reading performance and behavior.

DHA is a polyunsaturated fatty acid found throughout the body. It is a major structural fat in the brain, accounting for up to 97 percent of the brain’s omega-3 fats. Numerous studies confirm that everyone, from infants to adults, benefits from an adequate supply of DHA. Yet, despite its importance, most people eating a Western diet do not consume enough DHA, which can be found in fatty fish and more than 550 fortified foods, beverages and supplements.