Fish oil is rich in essential omega-3 fatty acids. These fats have numerous health benefits in normal development and disease prevention. Omega-3 fatty acids are crucial for brain and vision development in infants and young children. They also protect against heart disease, reduce inflammation and improve cholesterol levels.
Fish Oil Supplements
Fish oil supplements should not be given to a child unless recommended by a doctor. As of 2011, there are no guidelines concerning the safe dosage of fish oil for children or toddlers. More studies are needed to determine how fish oil supplements might affect a young child. If you are concerned that your child needs additional omega-3 fatty acids in his diet, discuss these concerns with your child's doctor.
Fish
Your child can obtain omega-3 fatty acids from fish directly. Toddlers can eat up to 12 oz. of fish each week or 6 oz. of canned tuna. The American Heart Association recommends including two servings of fish per week in your menu plan in order to reap the health benefits of omega-3 fatty acids.
Cautions
Some types of fish tend to accumulate environmental toxins such as mercury, polychlorinated biphenyls and dioxins. These are harmful to the developing brain and nervous system. Children and pregnant women should avoid these pollutants completely. Fish with high levels of mercury and other contaminants are usually large, predatory fish such as swordfish, king mackerel, shark and golden snapper. If you eat fish from local sources, stay informed of local environmental advisories.
Toddler Formula
Young toddlers who drink infant formula can receive significant amounts of omega-3 fatty acids if the specific type of formula includes docosahexaenoic acid or DHA. One study has found that blood plasma levels of DHA increased in toddlers when a formula containing DHA was added to the diet. The same toddlers, all under the age of 3, experienced fewer respiratory illnesses when they consumed formula with DHA.
References
- American Heart Association: Fish 101
- University of Maryland Medical Center: Omega-3 fatty acids
- MayoClinic.com: Omega-3 in fish: How eating fish helps your heart
- Toddler formula supplemented with docosahexaenoic acid (DHA) improves DHA status and respiratory health in a randomized, double-blind, controlled trial of US children less than 3 years of age. Minns LM, Kerling EH, Neely MR, Sullivan DK, Wampler JL, Harris CL, Berseth CL, Carlson SE.
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