Fish oil contains an essential fatty acid known as omega-3. Omega-3 fatty acids are essential for general growth and development as well as good eye and brain functioning. They also reduce the risk of developing chronic diseases later in life. Fish oils are generally considered safe for children and can be obtained through a balanced diet or given in supplement form.
Benefits
Fish oils are important for brain functions such as memory learning and reasoning. They also encourage good eye health and vision. Fish oils have benefited children with reading difficulties; after three months of taking fish oils, children with dyslexia and ADHD were experiencing improved concentration, decreased anxiety levels and were displaying less disruptive behavior, according to research reported in the "Daily Mail."
Dosage
According to the University of Maryland Medical Center, there is no established dose of fish oil provided for children under the age of 18. The American Heart Association recommends that adults eat two servings of fish per week so children are advised to follow this rule. Parents should serve child-sized portions of fish according to their appetite. Fish that may contain high levels of mercury such as shark, swordfish, king mackerel and tilefish should be avoided by young children.
Deficiencies
Children who are deficient in omega-3 fatty acids often suffer from excessive thirst. Other physical signs to look out for include dull, dry skin and hair; weak, brittle nails; and dry, bumpy skin on the upper arms. According to the Royal Children's Hospital in Melbourne, these signs are more noticeable in children with ADHD than in children without ADHD.
Sources
Oily fish include salmon, mackerel, trout, herring, fresh tuna, sardines and pilchards. Choose fresh, frozen or canned varieties to suit your preparation needs and budget. Haddock, plaice, coley, cod, canned tuna, skate and hake are non-oily types of fish; however, these should not be excluded from your child's diet. You can also buy fish oils in supplement form.
Serving Suggestions
Child-friendly meals can help boost their intake of oily fish. Try serving sardines on toast or making a batch of salmon fishcakes. Kids may also enjoy fresh tuna quesadillas with cheese; stir-fried salmon with noodles; fish pie; fishy pasta bakes with tomato sauce; and broccoli and salmon tagliatelle.
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