Omega-3 fatty acids play an important role in memory, cognitive function and behavioral function. These essential fatty acids may help reduce inflammation, lower cholesterol and reduce the risk of heart attack and stroke, according to the University of Maryland Medical Center. Fish oil supplements may cause side effects and should not be given to children without medical supervision.
Adequate Daily Intake
Insufficient evidence exists for the Institute of Medicine to develop Recommended Dietary Allowance values for omega-3 fatty acids. As a result, the Institute of Medicine has developed only Adequate Intake values, representing the level of daily omega-3 intake that should ensure nutritional adequacy. Adequate intake values vary by age. Male and female children ages 1 to 3 should get 0.7 g per day and male and female children ages 4 to 8 should get 0.9 g per day. Boys ages 9 to 13 should get 1.2 g per day and girls ages 9 to 13 should get 1.0 g per day. Males ages 14 and over should get 1.6 g per day, and females ages 14 and over should get 1.1 g per day.
Supplements
While the American Heart Association recommends specific supplementary doses of omega-3 fatty acids for the treatment of high cholesterol levels and heart disease in adults, no established dosage exists for children and adolescents ages 18 and younger, according to the University of Maryland Medical Center. Children should not take fish oil capsules or omega-3 supplements without medical supervision. Fish oil supplements may cause diarrhea, bloating or gas. People who bruise easily, take blood-thinning medications or have bleeding disorders should take omega-3 supplements with caution.
Food Sources
Fatty fish such as salmon, halibut, tuna, herring and sardines provide good sources of omega-3 fatty acids. Plant-based sources include walnuts, flaxseed, pumpkin seeds, nut oils and soybeans. Young children should eat less than 2 oz. of sport-caught fish per week, and should avoid eating fish known to have higher levels of mercury, such as swordfish, shark, tilefish and mackerel, suggests the University of Maryland Medical Center. Young children should eat up to 12 oz. of other fish per week.
Omega-3 Deficiency
Insufficient intake of omega-3 fatty acids during infancy may cause vision and nerve problems. Some infant formulas contain omega-3 fatty acids to help prevent deficiencies in infancy. Consult your doctor before using these formulas. Deficiency in omega-3 fatty acids later in life can cause symptoms such as fatigue, heart problems, memory problems, poor circulation and depression.
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