I have heard that there is quite a bit of animosity when it comes to the subject of children and omega 3 fatty acid supplementation. This is simply because many people don’t understand the many benefits that their children can receive from increasing the DHA and EPA essential fatty acids in their diet. Numerous studies have concluded that these benefits can begin as early as in the womb.
Studies conducted in Europe have proven that high levels of DHA in the blood of a mother-to-be can be passed on to the fetus through the umbilical blood. It is advised in many circles that a woman begin supplementing her diet with DHA omega-3 fish oil supplements as early in the pregnancy as possible, and taking increasingly higher does up through the third trimester of development.
The link between the cognitive development of children and omega 3 fatty acids is solidified in nature. A mother’s breast milk contains high levels of DHA fatty acids, and this is true whether or not a woman has made a conscious effort to increase the presence of DHA in their bodies or not. DHA and to a lesser extent EPA are necessary for proper cognitive development, and visual acuity.
The DHA content of breast milk prompted the producers of infant formulas to begin adding DHA omega fatty acids to the formulas that they sell. The European studies have concluded that cognitive development can be maximized by raising the level of DHA being fed to the fetus through the umbilical cord. Supplementation during pregnancy can help your child to excel in life.
It has been shown that children and omega 3 supplementation leads the child to the ability to score far higher that their DHA deprived peers in intelligence testing; and they develop greater reasoning and problem solving skills. Infants born with high levels of DHA in heir umbilical cord blood have a tendency towards enjoying IQ levels that are up to 10 points higher than those infants whose mother’s did not supplement their diets with omega-3s.
After the child is weaned either from breast milk or supplemented infant formulas he or she can still receive tons of health benefits from the continuation of an omega-3 rich diet. DHA and EPA are also powerful preventatives of cardiovascular disease, and are tremendously effective in the prevention and treatment of the allergies and asthma that so many of are children are afflicted with.
The positives between children and omega 3 supplementation continue on into their teen years, when the incidences of depression and suicidal tendencies seem to rise in our youth. Later on in life they can feel secure in the knowledge that their risk of developing adult onset diabetes and Alzheimer’s disease are seriously curtailed because of their ongoing supplementation.
Make no mistake about it. The health and well being of children and omega 3 fatty acid supplements go hand in hand. Don’t continue to let fears or doubts about the safety of giving your children DHA omega-3 fish oil deprive them of something that they need. Giving them DHA omega-3 fish oil is one of the best things you can do for them.
Laurel Cohen is a strong advocate of natural health in all its forms: skin care, supplementation, and farm fresh foods. She enjoys introducing people to the best natural products she can find and uses herself daily. Visit her site to learn about the omega 3 fish oils Laurel uses daily for optimal health. Article Source: