Have you been wondering whether fish oil for kids is a good idea? After all, just because it has numerous health benefits for adults doesn’t mean children should take supplements too. But there is good news about fish oil for kids – particularly if they suffer from ADHD.
First of all, recent studies have shown that an increased intake of the omega 3 fatty acids contained in fish oil can be of great benefit to unborn babies and young children. Omega 3s are essential for the growth and development of the brain and eyes in babies.
Taking omega 3s during pregnancy can reduce the risk of having a pre-term baby. Also, the children of mothers who eat the most fish tend to have higher intelligence scores and better communication skills.
So the benefits for mothers and babies are clear but what about fish oil for kids themselves?
It has been known for some time that the most important fatty acid, DHA, helps brains to function and develop properly.
It now seems that children who have low levels of DHA tend to be more likely to suffer from ADHD.
A 2005 Australian study showed that children with diagnosed attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) who took supplements for 15 weeks had increased attention and reduced hyperactivity, restlessness and impulsivity. The children also performed better on attention tests and improved their vocabulary.
A 2007 US study also showed a marked improvement in ADHD children who took omega 3 supplements. In that study, a psychiatrist reported significant improvements in inattention, hyperactivity, oppositional/defiant behavior and conduct disorder.
So it’s clear that fish oil for kids can be helpful as a treatment for hyperactivity, as well as learning ability and general mood.
What about sources of omega3s?
We can’t make omega 3s in our bodies so we must get them from our diet. Fish remains one of the best sources of omega 3s because it has the two most important of these fatty acids, EPA and DHA. Other sources, such as walnuts and flaxseed, contain another fatty acid, ALA, which must be converted by the body into EPA and DHA. The process is not very efficient though, so fish remains the best source of these important fatty acids.
As with adults, children should not be given supplements if there is any known reaction to fish oil, or if they have a bleeding disorder or are taking anti-coagulants.
So, go ahead and give your child fish oil supplements if you feel they could benefit. is safe and effective at the right doses and you could be doing your child’s health and behavior a great favor.
If you would like more information about fish oil supplements, and the products I use daily myself, feel free to visit my website where I publish more research and facts about omega 3 fatty acids.
My name is Therese Samson and I promote natural approaches to health and well-being for the whole family at , where you’ll find out about the many ways omega 3 fish oil can improve heart, brain, skin and immune system health. Article Source:
