Omega-3 fatty acids have many health benefits, including reducing the risk of cardiovascular disease and arthritis, as well as helping brain development and lowering the risk of asthma in childhood. Fish oils contain the essential omega-3 fatty acids eicosapentaeneoic acid, or EPA, and docosohexaenoic acid, DHA. According to the National Institutes of Health, only about 25 percent of Americans consume EPA or DHA in an average day, which suggests that supplementation, could be beneficial. Many fish oil vitamins for children are on the market to increase fish oil intake.
Barlean’s
Barlean’s Organic Oils company manufactures three different fish oil supplements for children. Its Kid’s Omega Swirl comes in lemonade flavor, and the fish oils are from “salmon and/or cod liver.” It has the texture of a smoothie, and also includes vitamin D. The Fresh-Catch Kids DHA is a liquid and has the flavor of fruit punch. Finally, the company promotes its Kid’s Omega Burst softchews as a potential dessert treat. Each softchew has 127 mg of DHA and EPA, and they are available in strawberry blast, orange splash, and cherry extreme.
Essentials Childlife
Essentials Childlife claims “a complete line of nutritional supplements for infants and children from age 6 months to 12 years. It offers fish oil for kids in its Pure DHA supplement. This product is in the form of soft gel caps that are a berry flavor. Every pair of these softgels contains 45 mg of EPA and 70 mg of DHA, and 25 mg of other omega-three fatty acids. This supplement also contains 3 percent of the recommended dietary allowance of vitamin E, and 4 percent to 8 percent of the recommended dietary allowance vitamin A, depending on age.
Nordic Naturals
Nordic Naturals sells an entire line of omega-3 supplements for children. Its products vary by the amount of omega-3s they deliver, and the form of the supplement, such as effervescent or softgel. The products have the flavors of fruits, and each serving contains about 200 to 600 total mg of EPA and DHA. In addition to the fish oils for older children, Nordic Naturals also manufactures a Baby’s DHA product with 328 mg of EPA and 500 mg of DHA.
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