Using Fish Oils
for Children

Fish oils have many benefits for children

Fish oils for children - What are the health benefits and which is the best kind to give to your child?

Fish oils are an excellent source of omega 3 fatty acids. These fats are also called essential fatty acids; your body can't make them so you need to get them from your diet.

You get essential fatty acids from foods such as fatty fish, walnuts and flaxseeds; or you can use nutritional supplements such as fish oils.

Fish oils are comprised of two omega 3 fatty acids:

• Docosahexaenoic acid (DHA)
• Eicosapentaenoic (EPA)

Fats are an important nutrient; especially for a child's growing body. Omega 3 fatty acids form the framework of cells of the central nervous system and are essential for healthy brain development. They also help reduce inflammation, lower the risk for heart disease and may even affect your mood; a study in the June 2006 issue of The American Journal of Psychiatry found low omega 3 fatty acids levels led to increased risk for mood disorders.

How can Fish Oils Benefit your Child?

Several research studies have found omega 3 fatty acids can have a profound effect on a child's development; particularly in areas of learning and behavior:

Lower Risk for Asthma and Allergies

Research on fish oils and pregnancy indicates omega 3 fatty acids may improve infant visual acuity, reduce the risk for allergies and enhance neurological function.

A study in the November 2001 European Respiratory Journal showed children with bronchial asthma given fish oil capsules providing 84 mg. eicosapentaenoic acid and 36 mg. docosahexaenoic acid experienced decreased asthma symptoms.

Lessen Symptoms of ADHD

Children with Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorders (ADHD) are more likely to show low levels of omega 3 fatty acids in their blood.

Scientists using fish oils on ADHD found evidence that increasing dietary omega 3 fatty acids may reduce some symptoms of ADHD; including less hyperactivity and increased attention spans.

Improve Language and Learning Skills

Omega 3 fatty acids may improve learning skills in some children. A recent study published in the January/February 2005 issue of Autism-Asperger's Digest found fish oils improved language and reading skills in 18 autistic children ranging in age from 3 to 10 years of age.

The Oxford Durham Fish Oil Study published in the May 2005 issue of Pediatrics Journal showed children with Developmental Coordination Disorder improved in reading, spelling and behavior when given omega 3 supplements after a 3 month period.

Should your Child take Fish Oils?

While many of the above studies involved children with underlying medical issues (ADHD, autism or recognized learning disorders) it appears omega 3 fatty acids from fish oils may improve learning skills, reading and behavior issues in some children.

Further evidence suggests omega 3 fatty acids may reduce the risk for allergies, lessen asthma symptoms and improve immune response.

The human body cannot make omega 3 fatty acids so we need to get them from our diets.

Feeding your child 2 - 3 servings of fish per week will provide them with adequate amounts of omega 3 fatty acids.

A concern for many parents is exposure to mercury from eating fish. One way to avoid mercury exposure is by using a highly purified fish oil supplement.

Choosing the Right Fish Oil 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 dosage of omega 3 fatty acids and come in a variety of flavors, such as lemon, peach and strawberry.

Child-friendly fish oils can come in chewable soft gels as well as the popular liquid fish oils. Many of the popular brands offer different dosage amounts with variations in omega 3 concentration and ingredients.

Carlson Laboratories - Kids Very Finest Fish Oil is a lemon-flavored fish oil for kids that come in a 200 ml bottle.

One-half teaspoon provides 250 mg. of DHA (docosahexaenoic acid) and 400 mg. of EPA (eicosahexaenoic acid).

Carlson Labs fish oils are regularly tested (using AOAC international protocols) for freshness, potency and purity by an independent, FDA-registered laboratory. This is a purified oil free of mercury, cadmium, lead, PCB's and 28 other contaminants. Suggested List Price: $24.90

Health From The Sun - A+ Kids Pure Fish Oil comes in a tutti-fruity flavour packaged in a 4 ounce glass bottle.

Each 1/2 teaspoon provides 187 mg. of DHA and 125 mg. of EPA and is tested for purity and contaminants - including PCB's, heavy metals, dioxins and pesticides. Suggested List Price: $15.99

Health from the Sun also offers DHA Soft Chews for Children that provide 160 mg. of DHA and 40 mg. of EPA. Suggested List Price: $12.99

Nutra Sea Kids by Ascenta is a berry flavored omega 3 supplement that provides 320 mg. EPA, 200 mg. DHA, 50 mg. of Gamma Linolenic Acid (omega 6), vitamin E, green tea extract and vitamin D3 per 1/2 teaspoon.

These products are molecularly-distilled and third-party tested for purity, quality and label claims. Each 200 ml. bottle provides 40 servings. Suggested List Price: $21.99

Barlean's Organic Oils Kid's Omega Swirl Fish Oil is a lemon-flavored, purified fish oil providing 360 mg. of EPA and DHA, 50 mg. of linolenic acid and 345 mg. oleic acid.

Made from salmon and/or cod liver oil and sweetened with Xylitol. Comes in an 8 ounce bottle that provides 43 teaspoon servings.

Barleans claims this fish oil is 90% more bio-available than traditional fish oils due to a smaller fish oil molecule; however, there is no documented research to support this claim. Suggested List Price: $27.98

Nordic Naturals Children's DHA Soft gels are strawberry-flavored omega 3 supplements.

Made from purified arctic cod liver oil, four (4) soft gels provide 82 mg. EPA, 125 mg. DHA, 130 mg. Oleic Acid (omega 9), 130 - 300 iu Vitamin A and 1 - 4 iu Vitamin D.

The soft gels are made of gelatin, water, glycerin and strawberry essence. Product does not contain gluten, milk derivatives or artificial colors or flavorings.

Each bottle contains 90 soft gels in a smaller soft gel size of 250 mg. Suggested List Price: $42.95

The above products are a small sample of the variety of fish oils available for children. The ingredient and dosage amounts are based on the suggested serving size listed on each product's ingredient label.

There are currently no studies looking at optimal dosages of fish oils for children, but there is information available on optimal fish oil dosages for adults and pregnant women.

Side Effects from Using Fish Oils for Children?

Are fish oils safe for kids?

Are fish oils considered safe for children?

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 gastro- intestinal, 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.

Are you concerned about exposing your child to mercury in fish oils? Scientists looked at mercury levels in a number of fish oils and found them to be below detectable levels.

These products are considered safe for human consumption; however, it's recommended researching the company that manufactured your fish oil supplement before buying.

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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 helps ensure we're providing the necessary nutrients for our children's growing minds and bodies.

Research References:

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