Fish oil is a rich source of the long-chain omega-3 fatty acids that are critical during a child's growth and development. Omega-3 fatty acids are commonly deficient in modern diets. However, according to the University of Maryland Medical Center, there is no established dose for children. They also recommend avoiding giving fish oil to children except under the supervision of your child's pediatrician. As an alternative, eat foods rich in omega-3 fatty acids to give your child a boost to better health.
Omega-3 Fatty Acids
Omega-3 fatty acids are essential nutrients; you need to get them from your diet. Your body integrated omega-3 fatty acid into phospholipids, special fats that make up the membrane that encloses your body's cells. Enzymes, proteins that perform biochemical reactions, floating in the membrane turn some omega-3 fatty acids into chemical signals that, similarly to hormones, spread throughout your body. According to the Linus Pauling Institute, these chemical signals control your immune system, fat metabolism and gene expression, especially during growth and development.
Potential Benefits
Adequate intake of omega-3 fats is important for children's development. The brain and retina, the part of the eye that senses light, contain high levels of omega-3 fatty acids in their membranes. The proper balance controls the physical properties of the membrane, allowing enzymes and receptor proteins in the membrane to function correctly. According to the University of Maryland Medical Center, some preliminary studies suggest the usefulness of omega-3 fatty acids from fish oil in childhood behavioral diseases including ADHD. Starting in the third trimester of pregnancy, children need a steady supply of omega-3 fatty acids for optimum health.
Long vs. Short Chain
Fish, krill and algae oil contain the long-chain omega-3 fatty acids EPA, eicosapentaenoic acid, and DHA, docosahexaenoic acid. Vegetable, nut and seed sources contain the short-chain omega-3 fatty acid ALA, alphalinoleic acid. EPA and DHA have been more strongly associated with reported health benefits, according to the University of Maryland Medical Center. People innately possess an ability to convert ALA to EPA and DHA, however, some people with genetic disorders may lack this ability and others may be inefficient.
Recommended Intake
The U.S. Institute of Medicine recommend that infants less than 1 year old consume at least 500 mg a day of omega-3 fatty acids, including ALA, EPA and DHA. Children require 700 mg per day between 1 and 3 years of age. The recommendation increases to 900 mg between ages 4 and 8. Between the ages of 9 and 13, boys require 1,200 mg per day and girls require 1,000 mg per day.
Safely Administering to Your Child
Only give fish oil, or other dietary supplements, to your child under a doctor's supervision. Ensure you purchase fish oil from a reputable source that certifies its product free of contaminants such as mercury, heavy metals and other toxins that accumulate in some fish. According to the University of Maryland Medical Center, avoid fish oil or meat from shark, swordfish, king mackerel and tilefish.
Food Alternatives
According to the University of Maryland Medical Center, EPA and DHA can be found in cold-water fish such as salmon, mackerel, halibut, sardines, tuna, and herring. The Mayo Clinic recommends eating at least two servings of these fish per week.
Member Comments