Fish oils contain essential omega-3 fatty acids DHA and EPA, important for proper growth and cognitive development in children. Although fish oils are excellent sources of DHA and EPA, the U.S. Food and Drug Administration encourages pregnant and nursing women and young children to limit fish consumption to 12 oz. of low-mercury selections per week due to contaminants present in fish. However, giving your child purified fish oil supplements can help them meet DHA and EPA requirements without exposing them to harmful contaminants such as mercury or PCBs.
Background
Many types of different fish oil supplements are on the market and it is often difficult to choose the right fish oil supplement and the right dosage for your child. Recommended fish oil dosages vary depending on your child's age, gender and size. Always consult with your child's pediatrician before giving your child any type of fish oil supplement. Look for fish oils that are purified, meaning toxins and other contaminants have been removed. Beware of some fish oils that contain large doses of fat-soluble vitamins, especially if your child is taking an additional daily multivitamin supplement.
Dosage by Weight
According to the American Pregnancy Association, the Society for the Study of Fatty Acids and Lipids established minimum DHA and EPA dosage requirements for infants and children based on their weight and age. Using these guidelines, infants ages 1 to 18 months weighing 0 to 15 Ibs. require 32 mg of DHA plus EPA per pound of body weight per day, and children ages 1.5 to 15 years old require at least 15 mg of DHA plus EPA per pound of body weight each day. The same source notes that pregnant and nursing women require at least 300 mg of DHA each day.
Dosage by Age
The Institute of Medicine has also established adequate intake levels for omega-3 fatty acids including DHA and EPA. Adequate intakes for omega-3s are 0.5 g per day for infants ages 0 to 12 months, 0.7 g per day for children ages 1 to 3, 0.9 g per day for children ages 4 to 8, 1 g per day for girls ages 9 to 13, 1.2 g per day for boys ages 9 to 13, 1.1 g per day for girls ages 14 to 18 and 1.6 g per day for boys ages 14 to 18.
Examples
Sample brands of purified chewable omega-3 fish oil supplements for children include ChildLife Pure DHA and Carlson for Kids Chewable DHA supplements. ChildLife Pure DHA fish oil supplements contains 185 mg of total omega-3 fatty acids, 60 mg of EPA and 90 mg of DHA per serving. Carlson for Kids Chewable DHA fish oil supplements provide 50 mg of EPA and 100 mg of DHA per serving. Both brands also provide 5 calories per serving.
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