Using Fish Oils for Children:
The Greatest Gift You Can Give Your Child!

What are the effects of fish oils for children?

With all the attention given to omega 3 fatty acids and fish oils these days, you're probably wondering what's the story on using fish oil for kids. Is it safe and what about side effects?

One thing for certain is omega 3 fatty acids help childrens' growing bodies produce hormone-like substances called eicosanoids. These substances can enhance cardiovascular health, help stabilize moods, sharpen mental focus, and reduce inflammation in the body.

Fish oils are comprised of 2 omega 3 fatty acids:

• Docosahexaenoic acid (DHA)
• Eicosapentaenoic (EPA)

DHA is the primary fatty acid found in our brain tissue. That being said, could a diet low in DHA lead to a deficiency in brain function? Researchers think this may be the case.

In fact, studies show children with ADHD are more likely to show low levels of omega 3 in their blood. Results from research using fish oils on ADHD show they may reduce the severity of ADHD symptoms, such as inattention and aggressive behavior.

What other benefits can we get from using fish oil for kids?

Research looking at the effects of fish oils on breast milk, found mothers who supplemented their diets with fish oils transferred the benefits of these healthy fats to their babies through breast milk. This led to their babies having improved visual function, lower risk for allergies and higher developed brain function.

What parent wouldn't want these benefits for our kids?

Further research, like the Oxford-Durham Fish Oil Study found children with learning difficulties improved in reading, spelling and behavior after supplementing their diets with fish oils.

To date, there are no studies looking at optimal dosages of fish oils for children. If you look at the label of fish oil supplements, they have recommended dosages.

I started giving my son a daily tablespoon of liquid fish oils about 2 years ago. One of the benefits was he noticed it easier to concentrate at school.

What about Side Effects of Fish Oils for Children?

Are fish oils considered safe for children?

Well, for one thing, they won't give your child blue hair like my son here! He's just having fun with some hair dye we bought at the hair salon.

Research shows fish oils are considered safe.

The New England Medical Center Evidence-based Practice Center looked at over one hundred studies on fish oil side effects and found no serious side effects. The most common side effect was gastrointestinal, such as diarrhea, and this was reported in less than 7% of all studies. Researchers found that simply stopping the intake of fish oils alleviates this mild side effect.

Worried about mercury in fish oils?

Scientists looked at mercury levels in a number of fish oils and found them to be below detectable levels. In other words, safe for human consumption. Remember that fish oils found to have the lowest mercury levels are pharmaceutical-grade fish oils.

Should Your Child Take Fish Oils?

There are many health benefits from fish oils for your child. They're an excellent source of omega 3 fatty acids. Our bodies can't manufacture them on our own so we need to get these fats from our diet.

Omega 3 fatty acids help reduce inflammation in your body, lower your risk for allergies and are proven to reduce blood pressure and cholesterol levels. Eating a diet with 2 - 3 servings of fish per week will provide you with adequate amounts of omega 3 fatty acids.

If you're concerned about mercury or PCB's from eating fish, you can use pharmaceutical grade fish oils. These high quality oils are free of PCB's, mercury and other contaminants that may be found in store-bought fish.

The only situation to use caution is if your child is allergic or hyper-sensitive to fish, has a bleeding disorder or is on anti-coagulant medication. Omega 3 fatty acids can make your blood thinner and less likely to clot, thus affecting anti-clotting medications. Consult your pediatrician before using fish oils if your child is in this category.

Best Fish Oils for Children

Looking for the best fish oils for children?

You can now get fish oils specially made for kids. These oils are formulated to give a lower amount of omega 3's and come in a variety of tasty flavors, such as lemon, peach and strawberry.

One-half teaspoon will give your child 250 mg. of brain-boosting DHA and 400 mg. of EPA. Carlson Labs fish oils are regularly tested (using AOAC international protocols) for freshness, potency and purity by an independent, FDA-registered laboratory. Your child will be getting the highest quality fish oil free of mercury, cadmium, lead, PCB's and 28 other contaminants.

Another great fish oil for kids is Health From The Sun A+ Kids Pure Fish Oil. This fish oil comes in a tasty tutti-frutti flavor and provides 187 mg. of DHA and 125 mg. of EPA per 1/2 teaspoon.

Thanks to the Vitamin Shoppe for providing these product links on my website. Visit their website to see their large selection of high quality nutritional supplements.

Using these fish oils for children will ensure your child receives the benefits from this healthy oil. As parents, we only want what's best for our children's health. Using pharmaceutical-grade fish oils ensures we provide the necessary nutrients for our children's growing minds and bodies.

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