Are Omega 3 Gummy Vitamins For Children Good For Behavior?

Omega-3 gummy vitamins make it easy for kids to get the essential fatty acids they need, especially if they cannot swallow fish oil pills or do not eat fish regularly. While many foods are now supplemented with DHA and other omega-3s, taking a vitamin ensures kids get the nutrients they need. Fatty acids play a vital role in neurological development and function, and may improve kids' performance and potentially their behaviors.

What Are Omega-3s?

Omega-3s are a group of essential fatty acids that everyone's body needs for performance, but no one's body makes on its own. There are many types of omega-3 but the most prominent are ALA, EPA and DHA. They stand for alpha-linolenic acid, eicosapentaenoic acid and docosahexaenoic acid, respectively. Omega-3 fatty acids play an especially important role in the brain, where they not only affect task performance and memory but play a role in behavior as well. Omega-3s are not just for adults; according to the National Center for Complementary and Alternative Medicine, they are the second most common supplement used by children.

Omega-3s and Kids

You may have noticed many kids' nutrition products are now DHA-enriched, including eggs, milk, infant foods and formulas. According to a 2009 article in "Pediatrics in Review," most Western children do not get enough omega-3s in their diets. In fact, the authors of the study go on to state that Western children also have a higher prevalence, as much as 10 percent, of childhood neurological disorders, many of which carry a behavioral component. These include ADHD, autism and dyslexia. There may be a link between these statistics, making fish oil and other omega-3 supplements an appealing natural "cure" for many parents.

ADHD and Other Disorders

Omega-3s do not actually offer a cure, but they may help improve some behavioral symptoms of children with certain neurological disorders. The University of Maryland Medical Center reviewed several studies relating omega-3s and ADHD symptoms, and found mixed results. Some studies found behavioral improvements with supplements while others did not. The studies reviewed in "Pediatrics in Review" reported that fish oil showed promise in contributing to behavioral control in children with suspected dyslexia as well as those with autism spectrum disorder. However, the studies have been limited and many have also demonstrated mixed results. In other words, while fish oil and other omega-3s are generally safe and beneficial for children, there is no guarantee that omega-3 gummies will improve behaviors.

Dosage Guidelines

The University of Maryland Medical Center reports that, despite the lack of scientific evidence, there is little harm in increasing omega-3 intake in your child's diet. This can come through supplements, and gummy supplements are a convenient way to get vitamins and other essential nutrients like omega-3s into your child without a struggle. While they may not be safe for children with multiple medical problems, especially bleeding disorders, the authors of the "Pediatrics in Review" study report that fish oil and other omega-3 supplements are potentially beneficial. Be sure to check with your child's pediatrician, however, as there are no set standards for daily doses of omega-3s in children.