Do you think that your child needs more fish oil? Are you wondering if it is good for children? It is more than likely that you have heard about all the wonderful health benefits that you get from omega-3 fatty acids in fish oil. Also, it is strongly believed that children too can benefit a lot from this nutrient.
But then, is fish oil really good for kids? If yes, what are its benefits? This post has the answers. Read on to know more.
Eating enough of the right fish is the best way to make sure that your kids get this important nutrient through food. Including fatty fish like sardines, salmon, trout, mackerel and fresh tuna regularly in children’s diets is a great way to provide omega-3 fatty acids, Vitamin D and minerals and other vitamins.
The omega-3 fatty acids like docosahexaenoic acid, or DHA, and eicosapentaenoic acid, or EPA, which fish oil contains, are believed to be crucial for children’s eye and brain development (1). DHA is required by each brain cell for proper development. During early childhood, the brain grows rapidly and when there is an insufficient quantity of this healthy fat, it can affect intellectual and emotional development.
As mentioned earlier, the omega-3 fatty acids in fish oil are essential for the health of both adults and children. Fish oil also provides numerous important vitamins and minerals that are required for the proper growth and development of children. Here is a look at the benefits that children gain through the intake of fish oil:
There have been numerous studies on omega-3 DHA and it has been found that it plays an important role in enhancing the learning capabilities of children (2). It provides support to their brain function, ensuring that it works properly and healthily.
DHA has effects on a child’s cognitive development as well. There have been studies that conclude that low levels of this healthy fat in children can result in poor behaviour, and can impair reading and learning abilities. Raising the DHA levels in a child’s body will result in improvement in numeric and memory recall, behaviour rating and reading age.
As mentioned earlier, the omega-3 fatty acids that are found in fish oil play a vital role in the eye development of children (3). It has been shown that DHA helps in sharpening an infant’s vision, which is why this nutrient is recommended for pregnant and lactating women.
As you know, a strong immune system is crucial for a strong, disease-free body. Studies have shown that there is a link between omega-3 fatty acids and improved immunity. Fish oil contains a protein that improves immune function. When children take in more fish oil, the levels of this protein in their body increase and boost immunity, making them healthy and free of illness.
One of the most common disorders among children and even babies is eczema (4). Omega-3 fatty acids can help prevent this skin disorder. It is high in anti-inflammatory properties and this is what makes it highly effective in reducing inflammation in all the different parts of the body, including the skin.
It has already been mentioned that many studies have been conducted on omega-3 fatty acids found in fish oil and their benefits. One study has found that when children with ADD and ADHD were given fish oil, they showed better improvement than when they were given medications for the disorders. Concentration, behaviour and bonding with parents improved significantly for over 90 percent of the children that were studied.
Depression in adults is often treated with fish oil. The effects of this oil on children with this condition have been studied as well. In 2006, a small study of fish oil was conducted in children aged between 6 and 12 with depression (5). It was found that this beneficial oil significantly helped in reducing their symptoms.
Fish oil and its effects on type II diabetes were examined in a small study (6). It was based on children with a high risk of this condition. Researchers found that children who followed a diet rich in omega-3 fatty acids had a significantly lower likelihood of developing type II diabetes.
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