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