Omega-3 Fish Oil For Children

Omega-3 fatty acids are a group of polyunsaturated fats critical to a growing child. Omega-3 can be converted by the body into ALA, EPA and DHA fatty acids which are essential for brain, eye and nerve development. Omega-3 can be found in a variety of sources. Inadequate consumption can lead to attention difficulties, reduced brain activity and impaired vision development.

About Fish Oil

Fish oil offers a high dose of omega-3 fatty acid. Consuming proper amounts of fish oil is important for brain development, and can improve concentration, help relieve depression and improve heart health. The American Heart Association recommends eating naturally oily fish, such as tuna, salmon, sardines and mackerel twice a week to benefit the heart and cardiovascular system.

Infants

Omega-3 is important for infants. Infants that do not receive enough omega-3 fatty acid from their mothers during pregnancy are at risk for developing vision and nerve problems. Mothers who are breastfeeding can take a DHA supplement formulated specifically for breastfeeding to help infant brain development. Give infants that are not breastfed formulas containing DHA to provide appropriate levels of omega-3. DHA levels should at least be 0.2 percent of total fatty acids.

Fish Oil and Concentration

A study by the Durham Local Education Authority showed that omega-3 fish oils have a beneficial effect on the attention span of children suffering from attention deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD). The Durham researchers noticed an improvement in concentration of 33 percent, with additional improvements in restlessness and acting out in class. Children taking a placebo pill showed the same positive concentration changes after switching to the fish oil pill.

Fish Oil and Learning

Children with ADHD may have lower levels of essential fatty acids including EPA and DHA. Clinical studies have shown children with lower omega-3 levels have more learning and behavioral problems than children with normal omega-3 levels. Studies testing to see if omega-3 fatty acids improve symptoms of ADHD have produced mixed results. A few studies have produced positive results in ADHD symptoms. More research is needed, but fish oil and foods high in omega-3 fatty acids are recommended for children with ADHD.

Types of Fish Oil

Seafood is the best source of omega-3 fatty acid. Cold-water fish, such as tuna, salmon, sardines, mackerel and halibut, are excellent sources of DHA. Fish oil supplements containing EPA and DHA are available in capsule and liquid form. Supplements available with both EPA and DHA should be based on their amount found in the supplement, not the total amount of fish oil. Make sure to buy supplements that are mercury free.

Warning

Effective dosage amounts for children under the age of 18 have not been clearly established. Fish oil capsules should only be used in children under the direction of a doctor.