Omega-3 supplements are recommended for children for health benefits. Omega-3 supplements are a pill form of omega-3 fatty acids which are a healthy type of fat. Omega-3 fats are made of polyunsaturated fat and are considered to be essential, according to the University of Maryland Medical Center; the body is unable to make them which means the diet has to provide adequate amounts for both children and adults. As with all supplements, omega-3 use should be discussed with a physician.
Depression
One potential benefit of omega-3 supplements for children is in depression treatment. Depression is estimated to occur in 2 to 4 percent of children in the United States according to the 2007 Journal of the American Academy of Child and Adolescent Psychiatry. Alternatives to conventional medication are desired as conventional medications come with greater risk for side effects as well as limited success rates. The research for omega-3 supplement use in children is growing. The effects have been modest and more research needs to be completed before major claims can be made. However, omega-3 supplements appear to be safe and are used frequently for children.
Development
Omega-3 supplementation is of benefit to support growth in infants and for children, particularly in retina and brain formation. The 2007 Journal of Acta Neuropsychiatrica explains that normal brain growth and development in infants and children requires daily intake of omega-3 fatty acids as the main component of cell membranes within the brain. Omega-3s also appear to be involved in the development of infant cognition.
Cardiovascular Disease
Omega-3 supplementation has a potential benefit for cardiovascular disease. The American Heart Association has emphasized that risk factors for heart disease begin in childhood and that children's diet should also be rich in omega-3 fatty acids. Children who may be genetically predisposed to heart disease may benefit from supplementation with omega-3 fatty acids. Supplementation with omega-3s is also used in children who are at higher risk for heart disease due to having high blood pressure or cholesterol. Omega-3 supplements for children are a good alternative for children who do not eat fish or other rich sources of omega 3s.
References
- The American Journal of Psychiatry; Omega-3 Treatment of Childhood Depression: A Controlled, Double-Blind Pilot Study; Nemets, et al., 2006.
- Circulation:AHA Scientific Statement; Dietary Recommendations for Children and Adolescents
- Journal of the American Academy of Child and Adolescent Psychiatry; Practice Parameters for the Assessment and Treatment of Children and Adolescents with Depressive Disorder; Birmaher, et al., 2007.
- University of Maryland Medical Center: Omega-3 Fatty Acids
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