What You Need to Know About Fish Oil and Your Child's Health
You know the many health benefits of fish oil for adults, but did you know that children experience an equal amount of benefits? Studies showing the benefits of fish oil supplements are as plentiful as those for adults. Learn how your children can benefit from omega-3, how much they need, and which supplements to choose.
Fish oil for kids
How can children as young as toddlers benefit from kid's fish oil? According to Professor Robert Winston from the Institute of Reproductive & Developmental Biology at Imperial College in London, fish oil is brain food for kids. In his study, he noted that after just six weeks of daily doses of fish oil, parents reported improved behavior in their children.
The behavior changes ranged from dramatic improvements in ADD/ADHD symptoms to higher performances in motor skill activities, IQ levels, reading, and spelling. The most notable changes were in the children's concentration and behavior. Professor Winston states he saw children who had previously performed six months below age level perform at age level in just three months.
Fish oil sources
So just how do you get your little people to take fish oil supplements? The best and most pleasant way is through diet. Many plant sources like walnuts, flaxseeds, tofu, soybeans, and canola oil are high in DHA and EPA. The best fish sources for your children are salmon, albacore tuna, lake trout, mackerel, and herring. To lower the risk of mercury and other contaminants, experts recommend children eat no more than 12 oz of fish per week.
Limit albacore tuna servings to 6 oz per week due to high mercury content. Other fish you need to avoid are shark, swordfish, King mackerel, and Golden Bass.
If your children are picky eaters and don't care for any of these foods, you can always give fish oil supplements to your children. Designed specially with children in mind, they contain the right amount of omega-3 and taste good.
Including fish oil in your child's diet is easy and the list of benefits extensive. Talk with your pediatrician about the benefits of fish oil and ask his opinion about including it in your child's diet. He can give you specifics about the right amount of fish oil to give to your child.
