Omega 3 For Children
Will Omega 3 fish oil really boost my child’s brain power? That is the question being asked by many parents who have been hearing the claims made by manufacturers. It does seem to be true that many children do benefit educationally from taking a daily supplement of fish oil, particularly if they are not already eating several portions of oily fish each week. Research has shown that children of all abilities benefit, not just those who are below average and have difficulty with concentration.
The research was carried out with two groups of children aged 6-12 and 8-9 years old. Both groups were given a combination of omega 3 and omega 6. After 3 months the underperforming children in the first group of 6-12 years old showed significant improvement in behaviour and short-term memory and after six months there were some significant improvements in reading skills. The second group already had a reading level 9 months above average, this increased to 18 months over a three period.
A lot of people become confused when they try to sort out the difference, if any, between fish oil, omega 3, DHA, EPA and omega 6. At the moment fish oil is the best source of omega 3. Omega 3 is an group of polyunsaturated fatty acids. Two of these acids, docosahexaenoic acid, DHA for short, and eicosapentaenoic acid, or EPA, are known as long chain acids and are essential for health. Omega 6 is a short chain fatty acid. It is generally accepted that a western diet provides sufficient omega 6 as it is found in processed cooking oils. In fact we may be consuming too much as the balance between omega 3 and omega 6 is thought to be important in maintaining optimum health.
The benefits of fish oil have been recognised for generations. Children in the 40′s and 50′s were given cod liver oil and malt. Unfortunately many found the taste almost unbearable and now most people prefer to take it in capsule form. Many adults, suffering from aching joints, find that cod liver oil helps to ease the pain and continue taking it as a preventative measure when they improve.
The Inuit population of Greenland has a low level of heart disease and research into the reason indicates the beneficial effect of fish oil on cardiovascular disease. With an increasing number of children suffering from obesity parents should be considering ways to reduce the risk of future heart problems and diabetes. A healthy diet is essential and this should include omega 3. It now appears that a number of other illnesses can benefit from taking omega 3 fatty acids. For example depression, schizophrenia, bipolar disorder, ADHD and ADD.
For parents with children suffering from ADHD or ADD, who may be concerned about giving medication such as Ritalin to young children, discovering that using a natural remedy like omega 3 can be beneficial in treating the problem will be a relief, although no one should change treatment without consulting their physician.
There is evidence to suggest that many children are suffering from depression or anxiety. A number of reasons for the cause have been put forward. Parental pressure, expectations by parents and schools to achieve high exam results or bullying at school may all contribute. It is difficult to judge whether depression is on the increase, or whether we are more aware than a generation ago. Nevertheless if omega 3 can help to improve brain function and ease or prevent the symptoms of depression naturally, parents should include it in their children’s diet. However if you are concerned that your child may be suffering with depression you should also talk to your physician.
If your child does not like eating oily fish and you decide to buy a supplement, the recommended daily dosage is 400-500mg. Fruit flavoured capsules, to make them more palatable to children, are available.
There is ongoing research into developing genetically modified plants that will produce omega 3. With fish stocks declining, this may be the main source in the future.
Never give supplements without consulting your physician.
This article is for information only and the author accepts no liability for any action taken.
Margaret Tye is an ex-teacher who runs the
From Tots 2 Teens website. It offers supplies for children, health advice and a monthly BOOK COMPETITION