Bad Mood, Bad Food?

• Fish really is 'brain food'. Oily fish contains higher levels of omega-3 essential fatty acids than white fish. Common varieties include salmon, trout, fresh tuna, mackerel and herring
• Dairy products fortified with extra essential fatty acids are now available from supermarkets if your family's not keen on fish. Try Columbus eggs and Fresh Omega-3 milk
• All fruit and vegetables contain vitamins and minerals vital for good physical and mental health
• Nuts and seeds are rich in zinc, a mood-balancing mineral. Try sunflower, pumpkin, hemp and flax seeds

Omega-3 - what's the story?
Most children don't eat enough of the omega-3 essential fatty acids found in oily fish. We know that omega-3s are essential 'building blocks' for brain development, and several recent high-profile studies say a lack of omega-3s could cause bad behaviour.

Interim results from a trial of 60 children in Durham show that the behaviour of more than half the children involved has improved since they began to take supplements.

But Dr Lunn says more research is needed before we hail omega-3s as a miracle cure for bad behaviour. 'However, current guidelines state that women of reproductive age and girls should aim for one to two portions of oily fish per week. Those women past reproductive age, boys and men should have one to four portions every week,' she says. 'Supplements are an alternative source if you don't like oily fish.'

Find out more
Healthy Food for Happy Kids by Suzannah Olivier (Simon and Schuster, £10) or visit her website www.healthandnutrition.co uk.

What Are You Really Eating? by Amanda Ursell (Hay House, £5.99)

The Food Our Children Eat: How to Get Children to Like Good Food by Joanna Blythman (Fourth Estate,£8.99)

my child - www.mychild.co.uk - is a new magazine for parents. Every issue gives the latest on what is being taught in schools, tips on how parents can help their children at home, expert and parent reviews on books, DVDs and toys, plus FREE SATs software and other family titles worth over £250.