Essential fatty acids in fish oil are well-known to promote health and fight certain diseases, such as high cholesterol and cardiovascular disease, but many people are unaware of the benefits of fish oil for toddlers. Fish oil contains a type of polyunsaturated fatty acid known as omega-3, which is not produced by the body and must be taken in through the diet. Many parents feed their toddlers more fish or give them fish oil supplements to reap the benefits that these fatty acids provide.
Brain Function
Two types of omega-3 fatty acids--eicosapentaenoic acid (EPA) and docosahexaenoic acid (DHA)--are found in fish oil and are important for brain development. DHA in particular is found in breast milk and in many supplemented formulas today. When a child becomes a toddler, she is most likely not using formula or breast milk anymore and must gain these fatty acids from her food or supplements. Fish oil is associated with improved behavior and concentration, as well as a reduction in attention deficit hyperactivity disorder.
Immunity
According to the University of Maryland Medical Center, fish oil can help a toddler to fight some infections or inflammatory processes. Omega-3 fatty acids have been shown to reduce inflammation and joint pain associated with arthritis; to diminish wheezing and the need for asthma medications; to decrease diarrhea and abdominal pain associated with inflammatory bowel disorders; and they may help children with oversensitivity to the sun.
Speech
Fish oil in toddlers is associated with improving the quality of speech. The Cherab Foundation, an organization dedicated to helping parents of children with communication impairments, has been conducting research related to the use of fish oil in the treatment of apraxia, a type of disorder where a child has trouble using words to convey meaning. The foundation supports supplementing children with apraxia with a blend of omega-3 and omega-6 fatty acids found in fish oil, and states that children who have been given fish oil in this combination have seen dramatic improvements in the quality of speech.
Diet
Toddlers can get fish oil in their diets by eating salmon, mackerel, tuna, herring and halibut. Two servings per week of 1 to 3 oz. of fish can provide plenty of benefits for a toddler. Avoid giving children fish such as shark, king mackerel, swordfish or tilefish.
Supplements
Fish oil is also available through supplements, but dosing quantities are not established in toddlers. Parents should consult their doctor for guidelines about the dosage amount of fish oil supplements for their child. Always buy supplements from a reputable provider, as fish may contain high levels of toxins, such as mercury or lead.
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