Adults take omega-3 fish oils to reduce cholesterol, improve heart health, treat depression and improve concentration. Parents may wonder if their children would also benefit from omega-3 fish oil supplementation, particularly if they rarely eat fatty fish like salmon. Fish oil contains the omega-3 fatty acid docosahexaenoic acid, or DHA, and eicosapentaenoic acid, or EPA. Research on fish oil in children is limited and you should consult your health care provider regarding the appropriateness of this supplement for your child.
Function
Omega-3 fatty acids are necessary for human health, but the body cannot naturally produce these key fats. These essential fatty acids are critical for normal growth and development, brain function, and cardiac health, according to the University of Maryland Medical Center. While children can get adequate omega-3 fatty acids from food, most Americans eat a diet containing high levels of omega-6 fatty acids and low levels of omega-3 fatty acids.
Significance
Parents may consider a fish oil supplement if their child suffers from attention deficit hyperactive disorder, depression or behavioral difficulties. A 2006 study in the American Journal of Psychiatry by B. Nemets, H. Nemets, A. Apter, Z. Bracha and R.H. Belmaker found that omega-3 supplementation may have a significant therapeutic effect on childhood depression. Dr. Edward Hallowell of the Hallowell Center for Cognitive and Emotional Health in Sudbury, Massachusetts, typically recommends fish oil for children with behavioral challenges.
Types
Omega-3 fish oil supplements are available in liquid, capsule, or even gummi candy form for children. Choose a supplement that contains only pharmaceutical grade fish oil to remove the risk of mercury contamination. According to Roni Caryn Rabin, author of "Feeling Good about Fish Oil" published in the New York Times on September 14, 2008, most health care providers suggest 1,000 mg of combined DHA and EPA for children.
Considerations
If you're concerned about your children getting adequate fish oil, but would prefer to avoid supplementation, consider including more fish in their diet. The FDA recommends that young children eat less than 2 oz. of sport-caught fish weekly, but up to 12 oz. of farm-raised, imported or marine fish. Avoid types of fish often found to contain heavy metals, including swordfish, mackerel and shark, recommends the University of Maryland Medical Center.
Warning
While fish oil may be beneficial, you should discuss potential fish oil treatment with your child's pediatrician. Fish oil may increase bleeding risks, and should be discontinued prior to medical treatments, reports New York Times author Rabin. While fish oil appears to improve behavior in some children with attention-deficit hyperactive disorder, speak with your child's health care provider before altering his treatment regimen or trying alternative therapies.
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