According to the University of Maryland Medical Center, research studies indicate that fish oil supplementation may decrease the risk of medical conditions such as cancer or heart disease. Other studies suggest that children between the ages of 8 and 11 can experience enhanced neurological development if they take fish oil pills regularly. However, health professionals argue that there still isn't sufficient evidence to support recommending fish oil supplementation for all children. Additionally, little research has been conducted on safe dosage ranges for children and the effects of long-term fish oil supplement intake. Speak to your doctor about the possible side effects before giving your child fish oil supplements.
Fish Oil
Fish oil is extracted from the flesh of fish such as salmon, tuna, herring and mackerel. The oil contains a high concentration of the two omega-3 fatty acids DHA, or docosahexaenoic acid, and EPA, or eicosapentaenoic acid. Consuming DHA and EPA regularly -- whether through fish oil supplements or by eating omega-3-rich fish -- is linked to a decrease in blood cholesterol levels and a decrease in the severity of symptoms associated with neurological problems such as bipolar disorder. Fish oil pill intake is also connected to a lower risk of stroke and less pain experienced by arthritis sufferers. A typical fish oil capsule contains about 180 mg of EPA and 120 mg of DHA.
Benefits of Fish Oil for Children
In 2005, a study published in the medical journal "Pediatrics" reported that after supplementing with fish oil pills for three months, elementary-aged children with developmental coordination disorder experienced significant gains in their behavior and academic abilities. The students taking a placebo showed no improvement until they were also supplemented with fish oil. Despite these positive results, however, the "Guardian" newspaper cautions that of the six major studies that focused on the effects of fish oil supplementation and children, only three indicated that fish oil provided a neurological benefit. Additionally, all six studies used children with problems such as autism as the subjects. A study published in "The Journal of Pediatrics" indicated fish oil could lower blood pressure in overweight children. Still, Dr. Margaret Bamforth of the Royal College of Psychiatrists warns that there is no evidence demonstrating that healthy children can benefit from fish oil supplements as of 2011.
Recommended Dosage
According to MayoClinic.com, you should not give children younger than 18 fish oil supplements unless you do so under the supervision of a physician. There is no recommended dosage level of fish oil for children, but Oxford University senior research fellow Dr. Alex Richardson told Britain's Mail Online that health professionals believe supplements that provide between 450 to 500 mg are safe for interested parents to give to their children. Strictly follow the dosage instructions if your child's pediatrician agrees that fish oil pills are fine for you to use with your child. Do not give higher doses than are recommended -- high doses of fish oil may not be beneficial for young children.
Considerations
Fish oil supplementation can cause a variety of side effects, including diarrhea, gas, bad breath, heartburn, nausea, skin rashes, nose bleeds and bloating. You should not give your child fish oil pills if she suffers from a bleeding disorder, an allergy to fish or shellfish, liver disease, depression, high blood pressure or diabetes, or if she takes any of the following medications: cyclosporine, insulin, orlistat, metformin, blood thinners or nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs. Fish oil supplements are not regulated by the Food and Drug Administration and are not checked for purity or safety. Only purchase fish oil pills from reputable supplement manufacturers.
References
- University of Maryland Medical Center: Omega-3 Fatty Acids
- MedlinePlus: Fish Oil
- Mail Online: Which Fish Oil Brands Are Best for Children?
- "The Journal of Pediatrics"; Should Some Kids Take Fish Oil Supplements?; Natalie Riediger, et al.; May 2010
- Mayo Clinic: Omega-3 Fatty Acids, Fish Oil, Alpha-Linolenic Acid
- "Pediatrics"; The Oxford-Durham Study: A Randomized, Controlled Trial of Dietary Supplementation With Fatty Acids in Children With Developmental Coordination Disorder; Alexandra J. Richardson, et al.; May 2005
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