Omega-3 fatty acids are an essential nutrient, which means you have to get them from your diet because your body cannot produce them. The dosage for many nutrients is different for children because some can be toxic in large amounts. Incorporating omega-3s into your child's diet has several health benefits.
Dosage
There is no established omega-3 dosage for children under age 18, according to the University of Maryland Medical Center. Fish oil is added to some infant formulas and their use should be discussed with your child's pediatrician. Fresh fish consumption should be limited for children due to possible mercury contamination among some types, including shark, king mackerel, swordfish and tilefish.
Benefits
Omega-3 fatty acids offer several health benefits for children when eaten in appropriate amounts. They play a role in the prevention of heart disease, cancer and arthritis as your child gets older. Omega-3s contribute to healthy brain and eye development when mothers consume them during pregnancy. Children who suffer from ADHD may experience a reduction in symptoms when omega-3 fatty acid consumption is increased, though the evidence for this is limited as of 2011. This benefit may result because some children with attention and behavioral problems have a lower level of omega-3s in their bodies. Omega-3s may also have a positive impact on symptoms of asthma among children.
Food Sources
Since omega-3 supplements are not recommended for children, you will have to increase intake with foods that contain them. Fatty fish such as salmon, herring, mackerel, trout, sardines and tuna are the best source of omega-3s. However, some species of fish have high levels of mercury so they should be served in small portions. Some other foods contain omega-3s and are a healthy addition to your child's diet. They include walnuts, canola and olive oil and flaxseed. Try adding walnuts to your child's oatmeal, and flaxseed is a healthy addition to fruit smoothies. Cooking with canola or olive oil in place of butter is a healthy way to increase omega-3 intake as well.
Supplements
Despite the health benefits of omega-3 fatty acids, you should only give them to your child in supplement form under the direction of a doctor. This is because some types are made with fish oil and could contain too much mercury for a child's small body. They can also interact with some types of medications and high doses can increase the risk of bleeding, especially if your child bruises easily or has a bleeding disorder. Fish oil can also cause negative reactions if your child has type 2 diabetes.
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