Parents may have heard that omega-3 fatty acids can help a child's brain development, or that they can treat conditions ranging from the common cold to ADHD. Current medical findings neither support nor oppose these beliefs. Fish oil appears to have few negative side effects, but parents should be aware of potential problems and should always consult the child's pediatrician before administering any dietary supplement.
Usage
Fish oil is a rich source of the omega-3 fatty acids docosahexaenoic acid, or DHA, and eicosapentaenoic acid, EPA. Medline Plus, a resource run by the National Institutes of Health, cites multiple studies that demonstrate thatthe DHA and EPA from fish oil supplements reduce the risk of heart attack and stroke. It may be used to treat other conditions, but there is insufficient evidence supporting its effectiveness with these diagnoses. Fish oil can be a component of a ketogenic diet for epilepsy, but is not a replacement for traditional treatment.
Contaminants
Environmental contaminants such as methylmercury, dioxins and polychlorinated biphenyls, or PCBs, have been found to persist in populations of fish even if the chemicals are no longer discharged in the area. Children should not eat fish since their systems are more sensitive to these toxins. However the American Heart Association reports studies show the contaminants that accumulate in fish meat do not appear to do so in fish oil, so the supplements appear to be safe from contamination.
Side Effects
The most common problem experienced when taking fish oil supplements is stomach upset or a persistent fishy taste. This is minimized if taken with meals or at lower doses. Medline Plus reports some evidence fish oil can increase glucose levels slightly, so patients with diabetes should consult a physician before taking the supplement. High doses of omega-3 fatty acids may increase the risk of bleeding, leading to symptoms ranging from spontaneous nosebleeds to stroke, though the latter is a concern only at extremely high doses.
Judging Oil Freshness
Always observe the expiration date on fish oil packaging. The oil turns rancid over time, and this process is accelerated when exposed to light. Fish oil should be stored in the refrigerator to slow the decomposition. Rancid fish oil looks the same as fresh, so it can be difficult to tell when oil has expired. If the capsules smell or taste like bad fish, dispose of the bottle rather than risking adverse effects. Taking rancid fish oil increases the chance of negative side effects, such as gastrointestinal problems.
Alternatives
Omega-3 fatty acids can also be found in botanical sources such as flax seed and canola oils. These supplements contain alpha-linolenic acid, or ALA, rather than DHA and EPA, and ALA has not been shown to be as beneficial as the fish-based fatty acids. The January 25, 2010 issue of Time magazine reported that there has been progress on getting omega-3 fatty acids from algae and oilseed-algae hybrids and these may be valuable sources of the supplements in the future.
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