Ask the doctor


Omega 3 For Children

Will Omega 3 fish oil really boost my child'sreason indicates the beneficial effect of
brain power? That is the question being askedfish oil on cardiovascular disease. With an
by many parents who have been hearing theincreasing number of children suffering from
claims made by manufacturers. It does seem toobesity parents should be considering ways to
be true that many children do benefitreduce the risk of future heart problems and
educationally from taking a daily supplementdiabetes. A healthy diet is essential and
of fish oil, particularly if they are notthis should include omega 3. It now appears
already eating several portions of oily fishthat a number of other illnesses can benefit
each week. Research has shown that childrenfrom taking omega 3 fatty acids. For example
of all abilities benefit, not just those whodepression, schizophrenia, bipolar disorder,
are below average and have difficulty withADHD  and  ADD.
concentration.
For parents with children suffering from ADHD
The research was carried out with two groupsor ADD, who may be concerned about giving
of children aged 6-12 and 8-9 years old. Bothmedication such as Ritalin to young children,
groups were given a combination of omega 3discovering that using a natural remedy like
and omega 6. After 3 months theomega 3 can be beneficial in treating the
underperforming children in the first groupproblem will be a relief, although no one
of 6-12 years old showed significantshould change treatment without consulting
improvement in behaviour and short-termtheir  physician.
memory and after six months there were some
significant improvements in reading skills.There is evidence to suggest that many
The second group already had a reading levelchildren are suffering from depression or
9 months above average, this increased to 18anxiety. A number of reasons for the cause
months  over  a  three  period.have been put forward. Parental pressure,
expectations by parents and schools to
A lot of people become confused when they tryachieve high exam results or bullying at
to sort out the difference, if any, betweenschool may all contribute. It is difficult to
fish oil, omega 3, DHA, EPA and omega 6. Atjudge whether depression is on the increase,
the moment fish oil is the best source ofor whether we are more aware than a
omega 3. Omega 3 is an group ofgeneration ago. Nevertheless if omega 3 can
polyunsaturated fatty acids. Two of thesehelp to improve brain function and ease or
acids, docosahexaenoic acid, DHA for short,prevent the symptoms of depression naturally,
and eicosapentaenoic acid, or EPA, are knownparents should include it in their children's
as long chain acids and are essential fordiet. However if you are concerned that your
health. Omega 6 is a short chain fatty acid.child may be suffering with depression you
It is generally accepted that a western dietshould  also  talk  to  your  physician.
provides sufficient omega 6 as it is found in
processed cooking oils. In fact we may beIf your child does not like eating oily fish
consuming too much as the balance betweenand you decide to buy a supplement, the
omega 3 and omega 6 is thought to berecommended daily dosage is 400-500mg. Fruit
important  in  maintaining  optimum  health.flavoured capsules, to make them more
palatable  to  children,  are  available.
The benefits of fish oil have been recognised
for generations. Children in the 40's andThere is ongoing research into developing
50's were given cod liver oil and malt.genetically modified plants that will produce
Unfortunately many found the taste almostomega 3. With fish stocks declining, this may
unbearable and now most people prefer to takebe  the  main  source  in  the  future.
it in capsule form. Many adults, suffering
from aching joints, find that cod liver oilNever give supplements without consulting
helps to ease the pain and continue taking ityour  physician.
as  a preventative measure when they improve.
This article is for information only and the
The Inuit population of Greenland has a lowauthor accepts no liability for any action
level of heart disease and research into thetaken.



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