Extra zinc in diet 'helps pupils do better at school'

Key points
Zinc found to help memory and attention span in pupils
Supplements may help kids improve classroom performance

A DAILY supplement of zinc can boost pupils’ performance in the classroom, a study has found.

Researchers monitored 200 schoolchildren and found that those taking more than double the current recommended daily intake of zinc had faster and more accurate memories. Their attention spans also increased.

Zinc is a naturally occurring mineral found in many everyday foods, including red meat, shellfish, nuts, seeds and wholegrains. The traditional Scottish breakfast of porridge oats is also rich in zinc, as are raspberries.

Must explain why the Scots are so inventive