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Article #465: Omega 3 For Children

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






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