| Will Omega 3 fish oil really boost my child's | | | | reason indicates the beneficial effect of |
| brain power? That is the question being asked | | | | fish oil on cardiovascular disease. With an |
| by many parents who have been hearing the | | | | increasing number of children suffering from |
| claims made by manufacturers. It does seem to | | | | obesity parents should be considering ways to |
| be true that many children do benefit | | | | reduce the risk of future heart problems and |
| educationally from taking a daily supplement | | | | diabetes. A healthy diet is essential and |
| of fish oil, particularly if they are not | | | | this should include omega 3. It now appears |
| already eating several portions of oily fish | | | | that a number of other illnesses can benefit |
| each week. Research has shown that children | | | | from taking omega 3 fatty acids. For example |
| of all abilities benefit, not just those who | | | | depression, schizophrenia, bipolar disorder, |
| are below average and have difficulty with | | | | ADHD and ADD. |
| concentration. | | | | |
| | | | For parents with children suffering from ADHD |
| The research was carried out with two groups | | | | or ADD, who may be concerned about giving |
| of children aged 6-12 and 8-9 years old. Both | | | | medication such as Ritalin to young children, |
| groups were given a combination of omega 3 | | | | discovering that using a natural remedy like |
| and omega 6. After 3 months the | | | | omega 3 can be beneficial in treating the |
| underperforming children in the first group | | | | problem will be a relief, although no one |
| of 6-12 years old showed significant | | | | should change treatment without consulting |
| improvement in behaviour and short-term | | | | their 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 level | | | | children are suffering from depression or |
| 9 months above average, this increased to 18 | | | | anxiety. 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 try | | | | achieve high exam results or bullying at |
| to sort out the difference, if any, between | | | | school may all contribute. It is difficult to |
| fish oil, omega 3, DHA, EPA and omega 6. At | | | | judge whether depression is on the increase, |
| the moment fish oil is the best source of | | | | or whether we are more aware than a |
| omega 3. Omega 3 is an group of | | | | generation ago. Nevertheless if omega 3 can |
| polyunsaturated fatty acids. Two of these | | | | help 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 known | | | | parents should include it in their children's |
| as long chain acids and are essential for | | | | diet. 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 diet | | | | should also talk to your physician. |
| provides sufficient omega 6 as it is found in | | | | |
| processed cooking oils. In fact we may be | | | | If your child does not like eating oily fish |
| consuming too much as the balance between | | | | and you decide to buy a supplement, the |
| omega 3 and omega 6 is thought to be | | | | recommended 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 and | | | | There 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 almost | | | | omega 3. With fish stocks declining, this may |
| unbearable and now most people prefer to take | | | | be the main source in the future. |
| it in capsule form. Many adults, suffering | | | | |
| from aching joints, find that cod liver oil | | | | Never give supplements without consulting |
| helps to ease the pain and continue taking it | | | | your physician. |
| as a preventative measure when they improve. | | | | |
| | | | This article is for information only and the |
| The Inuit population of Greenland has a low | | | | author accepts no liability for any action |
| level of heart disease and research into the | | | | taken. |