Fish oil, which contains omega-3 fatty acids, is associated with many benefits, such as improvements to cardiovascular and brain health. It's also associated with improving inattentive behaviors in children with attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD). For most kids who don't eat much seafood, particularly fatty, cold water fish such as salmon or mackerel, fish oil has been shown to be generally safe.
Features
The omega-3 fatty acids in fish oil are considered "essential fatty acids" and are essential for healthy function in the parts of the brain that affect learning, memory and reason, according to a report from the Royal Children's Hospital. The Mayo Clinic also reports that omega-3s are associated with lower triglyceride levels, slowing of atherosclerosis and reducing the risk of stroke and abnormal heart rhythms.
Learning Benefits
Research indicates that children who take fish oil can improve their academic performance and cognitive function, although no large-scale clinical studies have been done to back up these claims. There are, however, smaller studies that underscore the idea that fish really is brain food. A 2006 study reported in the United Kingdom's Daily Mail found that nearly 75 percent of students who took fish oil regularly for nine months showed noticeable improvements in math, reading and writing.
ADHD Treatment
Children diagnosed with ADHD often show symptoms of having low levels of omega-3 fatty acids, according to a report from the Royal Children's Hospital in Melbourne. Studies have produced mixed results regarding the effects of fish oil or greater seafood consumption in children. The hospital's report says that some research suggests improved attentiveness in children with ADHD and better reading scores, presumably because of better focus on the written words. A 2008 New York Times story also notes research and physician opinions promoting fish oil as a component of ADHD treatment, although there is not enough evidence to show that fish oil can replace standard medications used to treat ADHD.
Side Effects
A common complaint about fish oil supplements is the fishy aftertaste they sometimes leave behind. Fish oil may also make users burp or feel nauseous, although many consumers experience none of these problems. Because several brands are available, the Daily Mail article on fish oil suggests that parents try a few brands to find ones the kids like best and which have the fewest side effects.
Warning
The most serous concern with taking fish oil is that it can interfere with the effectiveness of anticoagulant or antiplatelet medications or can be dangerous to people with bleeding disorders, according to the Royal Children's Hospital report. These concerns are more common among older adults, but if your child has any type of bleeding disorder or takes heart medications, you should discuss fish oil or any other supplements with your doctor first before letting your child take them.
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