Your body does not produce omega-3 fatty acids on its own. According to the University of Maryland Medical Center, "...omega-3 fatty acids are highly concentrated in the brain and appear to be important for cognitive (brain memory and performance) and behavioral function." Infants require these essential fatty acids for vision and nerve development. Both Nordic Naturals Children's DHA and Carlson Fish Oil supplements can boost your child's intake of these fatty acids.
The Difference Between DHA and Fish Oil
Docosahexaenoic acid (DHA) and fish oil are both sources of omega-3 fatty acids. Fatty acids are the components you want when taking fish oils or similar supplements. Essentially, DHA and fish oil do not differ much. DHA is derived from fish. Some fish oil supplements may contain other fatty acids such as eicosapentaenoic acid (EPA), but a supplement marketed as DHA may contain additional fatty acids too.
Nutrition Information
On its nutritional facts label, Nordic Naturals Children's DHA liquid lists purified Arctic cod liver oil as its main ingredient. Each serving contains 313 mg of DHA, 205 mg of EPA, 113 mg of "other omega-3s" and 300 mg of omega-9s. Carlson sells two children's fish oil formulas. Each serving of the Carlson for Kids Very Finest Fish Oil has 250 mg of DHA, 400 mg of EPA and 150 mg of "other Omega-3s."
Flavors and Available Forms
You can buy Nordic Naturals Children's DHA in soft gel or a liquid form. Both are strawberry-flavored, and their baby DHA drops are unflavored. Carlson's description of their fish oils' inactive ingredients states, "We use flavors and colors only when necessary and choose the natural ones." Their children's fish oils come in lemon- or orange-flavored liquids.
Prices
The Nordic Naturals website prices a 4 oz. bottle of Children's DHA at $15.95. Eight ounces costs $23.95. You can buy Carlson's children's liquid formulas in 200 ml bottles, which is the equivalent of about 6.75 ounces. Carlson charges $24.90 for this product from their website.
Taste and Awards
Most recently, the International Taste and Quality Institute awarded Nordic Naturals Cod Liver Oil the Superior Taste Award of two stars, which is the Remarkable ranking. In 2006, Nordic Naturals oils received kudos from Kid Kritics blind taste-testers, but the Children's DHA formula has not specifically received such praise. The Carlson About Us page cites Superior Taste Awards from the ITQI for three consecutive years from 2005-2007.
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