Giving children with Down’s syndrome antioxidants and nutrients does not help their condition improve at all, according to a new study. UK researchers studied the effect of giving such supplements to 156 babies under 7 months old with Down’s syndrome over an 18-month period. Down’s syndrome is the most common genetic cause of learning disability in the UK affecting around 1 in 1,000 new born babies. Previous studies have investigated the possibility that giving folate, antioxidants, or both might improve the effects of Down’s syndrome, particularly language and psychomotor development. Although none have reported any significant effect, use of vitamin and mineral supplements is widespread in children with Down’s syndrome in Europe and the USA due to marketing of commercial preparations claiming substantial benefits.