Omega-3 vitamins contain omega-3 fatty acids that are necessary for human health. Omega-3 fatty acids occur naturally in fish such as salmon, mackerel and tuna as well as algae and krill, the University of Maryland Medical Center says. Children need omega-3 fatty acids because their bodies use them to facilitate growth and development; however, eating fish may not always be safe to eat because commercially available fish can contain mercury and pollutants. Children can supplement their omega-3 fatty acid needs through omega-3 vitamins.
Omega-3 Uses
Omega-3 vitamins improve the cognitive skills and behavior of children suffering from attention deficit-hyperactivity disorder, MedlinePlus, a service of the National Institutes of Health, notes. Taking omega-3 vitamins in conjunction with primerose oil, thyme oil and vitamin E have alleviated the condition of children suffering from dyspraxia, a disorder that impairs movement. Omega-3 vitamins will improve the linguistic skills and behavior of children between the ages of 5 and 12 years who are suffering from developmental coordination disorder.
Omega-3 Dosing
The recommended dose of omega-3 vitamins for adults is no more than 3 g per day, the University of Maryland Medical Center notes. There is currently no established recommended dose for children. Omega-3 vitamins have been mixed with infant milk formulas, but omega-3 vitamins should never be taken by children without medical supervision. The recommended dose will vary according to the needs of the child.
Omega-3 Safety and Adverse Effects
Studies have shown that most widely available omega-3 vitamins are generally free of mercury dioxins and other pollutants, according to a 2009 article in the "New York Times "Health Guide, a medical reference guide accredited by the American Accreditation HealthCare Commission. The reason for the low mercury content is because most omega-3 vitamin manufacturers get their omega-3 fatty acids from fish that have a lower risk of accumulating mercury such as cod and sardines. Omega-3 vitamins do have adverse effects such as increased risk of bleeding, stomach upset, diarrhea, acid reflux and nausea, the Mayo Clinic explains. Omega-3 vitamins may trigger allergic reactions from children who are allergic to fish or to omega-3 fatty acids specifically.
Interactions with Medications
Children who are on medications for conditions such as diabetes should avoid taking omega-3 vitamins without prior medical approval. Omega-3 vitamins increase fasting blood sugar levels and may potentiate the effects of medications meant to lower blood sugar such as glucophages, glipizide and insulin, the University of Maryland Medical Center notes. Omega-3 vitamins will increase the effects of cholesterol medications called statins. Children who have undergone organ transplant procedures and are taking cyclosporine will benefit from taking omega-3 vitamins because the omega-3 vitamins will reduce toxic side effects caused by the medication, such as high blood pressure and kidney damage.
References
- Mayo Clinic; Omega-3 Fatty Acids, Fish Oil, Alpha-linolenic Acid; April 2011
- MedlinePlus; Fish Oil; February 2011
- "New York Times": Health Guide; The Claim: Fish Oil Supplements Can Contain Mercury; Anahad O'Connor; March 2009
- University of Maryland Medical Center; Omega-3 Fatty Acids; Steven D. Ehrlich; June 2009
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