I remember attending elementary school in Gozo in the 1950s where I dreaded the day once a year when they used to encourage us to swallow a spoonful of cod liver oil. It tasted terrible but it was supposed to be good for us so many like me closed their eyes and took it in my stride. Little did I know then how beneficial that spoonful was.

Now researchers have evidence to believe that fish oil supplements can boost the brain power of schoolchildren and improve their behaviour and ability to concentrate, even resulting in better grades. It is claimed that Omega-3 fatty acids play a crucial role in brain-cell development. Almost half the fat from which the brain is built is made up of one of the Omega-3's acids (DHA).

One of England's leading authorities on the subject, the neuroscientist John Stein, of Magdalen College, Oxford, has made claims recently that supplements of Omega-3 had a clear effect on children's brain function in trials carried out by him. It helped their concentration and focus in school.

Now the richest source for Omega 3s is oily fish, sardines, salmon and mackerel in particular, but since these are not popular with children that's where the supplements come in. Now the Dept of Education in England is considering providing Omega-3 and 6 supplements to every child attending school in England pending the outcome of further studies.

Maybe this is something the Maltese authorities should also consider for local school children.