Fish oil is rich in omega-3 fatty acids, essential compounds that have health benefits for children and adults. However, you should not add fish oil to an infant or child's diet unless advised to do so by your child's doctor. Most infants receive omega-3 fatty acids through breast milk or infant formula.
Amounts
There are no established guidelines regarding safe doses of omega-3 fatty acids for children. For this reason, the University of Maryland Medical Center states that fish oil supplements should not be given to children, except under the direction of a health care provider. If you suspect that your child may not be receiving adequate amounts of omega-3 fatty acids, discuss these concerns with your child's doctor.
Breastfed Infants
The levels of omega-3 fatty acids in breast milk vary with maternal intake. The America Heart Association advises all adults to consume two servings of fish per week, particularly fatty fish such as salmon, mackerel, herring, lake trout, sardines and albacore tuna . One serving is equivalent to 3.5 oz. of cooked fish. Nursing mothers who do not consume fish should talk to their physicians about whether a fish oil supplement is right for them.
Formula-Fed Infants
Many infant formulas contain the supplementary ingredients docosahexaenoic acid and arachidonic acid, also known as DHA and ARA. These are two essential omega-3 fatty acids that are found in breast milk. The Mayo Clinic recommends that infants receive either breast milk or infant formula until age 1 when most infants can begin to drink whole milk. Ask your child's doctor for advice on choosing an appropriate type of formula for your child's needs.
Food Sources
For older babies who are eating solid foods, omega-3 fatty acids can be obtained from diet, particularly if the child consumes cold water fish. Flaxseed and flaxseed oil, pumpkin seeds and fortified cereals are also high in these fatty acids. Children should avoid eating certain types of large, predatory ocean fish that may be contaminated by mercury, such as shark, swordfish, king mackerel or tilefish.
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