Eye Q

Many people with autism or asperger syndrome may experience poor concentration, or have difficulties with co-ordination. Eye Q is a food supplement that contains various oils needed for good brain and eye function. It contains the long-chain fatty acids EPA, DHA and GLA, which come from oily fish such as sardines and pilchards.

The theory is that vision, co-ordination and concentration may be affected if your diet is deficient in these oils.

Equazen, the makers of Eye Q, claim it "may help maintain eye and brain function", but they're not touting it as some sort of wonder drug. It is available without prescription from many pharmacists and can be given to children (although read the label for some contraindications first).

Some people have reported improvements in such things as memory and co-ordination when they have given these supplements to their children. But what is the scientific proof? Durham Education Authority carried out a study that involved around 120 primary school pupils that lasted six months. The initial impressions appear to be promising, although the results are still being analysed and a paper has yet to be published. However 120 is still a relatively small sample which could be affected by other external factors. Hopefully further studies will shed more light on the effectiveness of Eye Q supplements.

At around £7.99 for 60 capsules, Eye Q is not cheap, especially when you take into account that the initial recommended dose is 6 capsules a day. This is only for the first 12 weeks, when the dosage can be lowered to two a day. A less expensive option would be to serve plenty of oily fish and eat a balanced diet. That's easier said than done if the person who might benefit from more fish oil is a picky eater, and when convenience food tempts us all the time.

Our diets affect us in many subtle ways. Eye Q probably won't make a difference to anyone who is getting enough of these various fish oils in their diet already. On the other hand, improvements in such things as memory and concentration span could make all the difference for children with autism who may be struggling with schoolwork. But the only way to find out for sure is to try it out, which may prove expensive.