Ask the doctor


Omega 3 For Children

Will Omega 3 fish oil really boost myThe Inuit population of Greenland has a
child's brain power? That is thelow level of heart disease and research
question being asked by many parents whointo the reason indicates the beneficial
have been hearing the claims made byeffect of fish oil on cardiovascular
manufacturers. It does seem to be truedisease. With an increasing number of
that many children do benefitchildren suffering from obesity parents
educationally from taking a dailyshould be considering ways to reduce the
supplement of fish oil, particularly ifrisk of future heart problems and
they are not already eating severaldiabetes. 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 allappears that a number of other illnesses
abilities benefit, not just those whocan benefit from taking omega 3 fatty
are below average and have difficultyacids. For example depression,
with concentration.schizophrenia, bipolar disorder, ADHD
The research was carried out with twoand ADD.
groups of children aged 6-12 and 8-9For parents with children suffering from
years old. Both groups were given aADHD or ADD, who may be concerned about
combination of omega 3 and omega 6.giving medication such as Ritalin to
After 3 months the underperformingyoung children, discovering that using a
children in the first group of 6-12natural remedy like omega 3 can be
years old showed significant improvementbeneficial in treating the problem will
in behaviour and short-term memory andbe a relief, although no one should
after six months there were somechange treatment without consulting
significant improvements in readingtheir physician.
skills. The second group already had aThere is evidence to suggest that many
reading level 9 months above average,children are suffering from depression
this increased to 18 months over a threeor anxiety. A number of reasons for the
period.cause have been put forward. Parental
A lot of people become confused whenpressure, expectations by parents and
they try to sort out the difference, ifschools to achieve high exam results or
any, between fish oil, omega 3, DHA, EPAbullying at school may all contribute.
and omega 6. At the moment fish oil isIt is difficult to judge whether
the best source of omega 3. Omega 3 isdepression is on the increase, or
an group of polyunsaturated fatty acids.whether we are more aware than a
Two of these acids, docosahexaenoicgeneration ago. Nevertheless if omega 3
acid, DHA for short, andcan help to improve brain function and
eicosapentaenoic acid, or EPA, are knownease or prevent the symptoms of
as long chain acids and are essentialdepression naturally, parents should
for health. Omega 6 is a short chaininclude it in their children's diet.
fatty acid. It is generally acceptedHowever if you are concerned that your
that a western diet provides sufficientchild may be suffering with depression
omega 6 as it is found in processedyou should also talk to your physician.
cooking oils. In fact we may beIf your child does not like eating oily
consuming too much as the balancefish and you decide to buy a supplement,
between omega 3 and omega 6 is thoughtthe recommended daily dosage is
to be important in maintaining optimum400-500mg. Fruit flavoured capsules, to
health.make them more palatable to children,
The benefits of fish oil have beenare available.
recognised for generations. Children inThere is ongoing research into
the 40's and 50's were given cod liverdeveloping genetically modified plants
oil and malt. Unfortunately many foundthat will produce omega 3. With fish
the taste almost unbearable and now moststocks declining, this may be the main
people prefer to take it in capsulesource in the future.
form. Many adults, suffering from achingNever give supplements without
joints, find that cod liver oil helps toconsulting your physician.
ease the pain and continue taking it asThis article is for information only and
a preventative measure when theythe author accepts no liability for any
improve.action taken.



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