Fish oil is the oily portion of fish and some types of sea animals. It can be taken in through the diet by eating fish or through supplements. Fish oil contains omega-3 fatty acids, which are known as essential fatty acids, meaning the body is unable to make them and they have to be taken in through the diet. Omega-3 fatty acids are beneficial in supporting health by reducing inflammation and diminishing the risk of heart disease. The omega-3 fatty acids found in fish oil may also benefit children with behavior problems.
DHA and EPA
The omega-3 fatty acids found in fish oil are important because they contain docosahexaenoic acid and eicosapentaenoic acid, which are essential for brain development. DHA helps with brain function, and low levels of DHA may be associated with some types of mental illness, such as depression and schizophrenia. EPA has an effect on mood and behavior, with low levels also being associated with depression. Both DHA and EPA are often included in some types of infant formulas to help support brain growth and vision development. Fish oil provides the same type of supplementation for children during the important, formative years of childhood while behavior is being cultivated.
Autism
Parents of children with autism may see some benefits by giving their children fish oil. The Bastyr Center for Natural Health states that feeding children with autism fish or giving them fish oil supplements will not only improve their overall health and development, but it may reduce the incidence of some types of negative behaviors. Children with autism often struggle with social dynamics and many perform repetitive behaviors. Supplementing with fish oil may help to reduce aggression, hyperactivity or irritability.
Bipolar Disorder
Fish oil supplements may be used as a preventive measure among some children who may be likely to develop certain types of mental illness. According to the University of Cincinnati, children born to parents who have bipolar disorder may be deficient in omega-3 fatty acids in their brains. Supplementing with fish oil may help to prevent the development of bipolar disorder among these children. Bipolar disorder, sometimes called manic-depression, can cause mood and behavior fluctuations. The DHA and EPA found in fish oil may contribute to brain development among these kids as well as impact their moods and behaviors.
What to Consider
Because fish oil can be taken as a supplement, check with your doctor about giving it to your child for issues with behavior. Your physician can direct you as to how much fish oil you should give your child for help with behavior. According to the University of Maryland Medical Center, there is not a standard dose requirement of fish oil for children under the age of 18. An alternative to supplements is to serve fish as part of meals. Serve children up to 12 oz. each week of fish such as salmon, halibut, tuna or trout and avoid fish that may contain higher levels of mercury, such as tilefish, king mackerel, shark and swordfish.
