Many children are not crazy about fish but fish is a great source of brain food. At a time when the brain is developing, fish is an important part of a diet. Omega-3 fatty oils have multiple nutritional benefits and are essential for a balanced diet. Two of the three acids that make up Omega-3 fatty oils, eicosapentaenoic acid, or EPA, and docosahexaenoic acid, or DHA, are primarily found in fish. Fish oil supplements are a good alternative for the child who won't touch fish.
In the Womb
A child's development starts in the womb and the fetus relies on the mother for nutrients. While the fetus is able to get some DHA from ALA (alpha-linolenic acid) and EPA, the fetus can not get enough from that alone. According to the article "Essential Fats for Child Brain Development," the brain synapses form rapidly during the last three months of pregnancy whereby "an infant's demand for DHA exceeds the capacity of the enzymes to synthesize it," thus requiring significant amounts of DHA from another source: the mother.
Benefits
According to the Alive website, "60 percent of a child's brain and retina is comprised of essential fat needed for proper nerve transmission and learning patterns." As stated in the article "Essential Fats for Child Brain Development," the need for DHA is high with a developing brain. Children who get a sufficient amount of Omega-3 fatty oils in their diet have higher IQs, better hand-eye coordination, concentration and focus.
ADHD
Numerous studies have occurred to determine whether there is any correlation between hyperactivity in children and a lack of the essential fatty oils. Studies have centered on both Omega-3 and Omega-6 fatty acids. According to the Oil of Pisces website, the University of Milan reported that attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) is directly linked to a deficiency of DHA and EPA and an excess of Omega-6 fatty oils. Several other studies from Australia, Massachusetts, Canada, Ohio, Oxford, Indiana, New York and New Zealand have also connected a deficiency of DHA and EPA, as well as an imbalanced ratio of Omega-3 and Omega-6 fatty oils to ADHD.
Risks
According to the Medline website, gastrointestinal upset is common when taking fish oil supplements, including diarrhea or abdominal bloating. Other possible side effects include burping, heartburn or indigestion. Some fish oil supplements leave a fishy aftertaste. As with eating fish in its natural state, there is also a risk of contaminants. Fish oil is less apt to contain such toxins though due to the process of purifying.
Amount
As with all medicines and supplements, it is best to contact your doctor before using a supplement. The dosage recommendation for children is based on age and weight. According to the Alive and Organic Facts websites, children aged one to three years should get 700mg a day. Girls aged four to nine and boys four to six should receive 1000mg a day. Boys seven to nine years of age and girls from 10 to 15 should take in 1,200mg per day. Boys aged 10 to 12 and 13 to 15 should get 1,400mg and 1,500mg respectively.
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