Omega 3 For Children
Margaret Tye
Will Omega 3 fish oil really boost my child's brain power? That is the
question being asked by many parents who have been hearing the claims
made by manufacturers. It does seem to be true that many children do
benefit educationally from taking a daily supplement of fish oil,
particularly if they are not already eating several portions of oily
fish each week. Research has shown that children of all abilities
benefit, not just those who are below average and have difficulty with
concentration.
The research was carried out with two groups of children aged 6-12 and
8-9 years old. Both groups were given a combination of omega 3 and
omega 6. After 3 months the underperforming children in the first group
of 6-12 years old showed significant improvement in behaviour and
short-term memory and after six months there were some significant
improvements in reading skills. The second group already had a reading
level 9 months above average, this increased to 18 months over a three
period.
A lot of people become confused when they try to sort out the
difference, if any, between fish oil, omega 3, DHA, EPA and omega 6. At
the moment fish oil is the best source of omega 3. Omega 3 is an group
of polyunsaturated fatty acids. Two of these acids, docosahexaenoic
acid, DHA for short, and eicosapentaenoic acid, or EPA, are known as
long chain acids and are essential for health. Omega 6 is a short chain
fatty acid. It is generally accepted that a western diet provides
sufficient omega 6 as it is found in processed cooking oils. In fact we
may be consuming too much as the balance between omega 3 and omega 6 is
thought to be important in maintaining optimum health.
The benefits of fish oil have been recognised for generations. Children
in the 40's and 50's were given cod liver oil and malt. Unfortunately
many found the taste almost unbearable and now most people prefer to
take it in capsule form. Many adults, suffering from aching joints,
find that cod liver oil helps to ease the pain and continue taking it
as a preventative measure when they improve.
The Inuit population of Greenland has a low level of heart disease and
research into the reason indicates the beneficial effect of fish oil on
cardiovascular disease. With an increasing number of children suffering
from obesity parents should be considering ways to reduce the risk of
future heart problems and diabetes. A healthy diet is essential and
this should include omega 3. It now appears that a number of other
illnesses can benefit from taking omega 3 fatty acids. For example
depression, schizophrenia, bipolar disorder, ADHD and ADD.
For parents with children suffering from ADHD or ADD, who may be
concerned about giving medication such as Ritalin to young children,
discovering that using a natural remedy like omega 3 can be beneficial
in treating the problem will be a relief, although no one should change
treatment without consulting their physician.
There is evidence to suggest that many children are suffering from
depression or anxiety. A number of reasons for the cause have been put
forward. Parental pressure, expectations by parents and schools to
achieve high exam results or bullying at school may all contribute. It
is difficult to judge whether depression is on the increase, or whether
we are more aware than a generation ago. Nevertheless if omega 3 can
help to improve brain function and ease or prevent the symptoms of
depression naturally, parents should include it in their children's
diet. However if you are concerned that your child may be suffering
with depression you should also talk to your physician.
If your child does not like eating oily fish and you decide to buy a
supplement, the recommended daily dosage is 400-500mg. Fruit flavoured
capsules, to make them more palatable to children, are available.
There is ongoing research into developing genetically modified plants
that will produce omega 3. With fish stocks declining, this may be the
main source in the future.
Never give supplements without consulting your physician.
This article is for information only and the author accepts no
liability for any action taken.
Margaret Tye is an ex-teacher who runs the From Tots 2 Teens website
http://www.fromtots2teens.com/omega3.html It offers supplies for
children, health advice and a monthly BOOK COMPETITION.
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