Benefits of Omega 3 for children

Promote the growth of infants: Studies have differed on the effect of omega-3 on infant development; Where some research has suggested that children who do not get omega-3 in the form of DHA from breast milk or formula may have delayed mental and visual development, but studies that have experimented with giving children formula fortified with DHA found that it did not enhance growth in children, and accordingly experts recommend Breastfeeding instead of formula milk.

Improvement of behavior and learning performance in children with hyperactivity: (Attention deficit hyperactivity disorder), or what is known for short as ADHD; A study published in the journal Nutrition in 2012 indicated that increasing the intake of polyunsaturated fatty acids can help improve knowledge and behavior, such as reading and spelling, in children with ADHD, and it was noted that it may be more beneficial for children with difficulties in learning.

Improvement of respiratory problems in premature infants: A study published in Pediatrics in 2011 indicated that giving infants born at the thirty-third week (eighth month) of gestational age or earlier to omega-3 supplements may It reduces the risk of bronchopulmonary dysplasia, especially in males and those born weighing less than 1250 grams, in addition to it may reduce the risk of hay fever in males at the age of 12 or 18 months.

Improving cognitive functions in children: There is a difference in the results of studies on the role of omega-3 in improving cognitive functions in children, as the fatty acid DHA has a key role in the formation and improvement of the function of the central nervous system, and the retina of the eye, and it also has an important impact on the development of cognitive functions in children. Children, improving cognitive functions, cardiovascular health, and the immune system, and reducing their risk of allergies in early childhood, so it must be ensured that an adequate amount of fatty acids are eaten during pregnancy, lactation, and during childhood.

A study published in the journal Prostaglandins, leukotrienes and essential fatty acids in 2009 indicated that consuming omega-3 can help improve memory and verbal learning in children. In addition, a study published in the journal Nutrients in 2014 showed that omega-3 consumption, especially Type DHA by school-age children and adults, can enhance their cognitive performance, especially those who follow a diet low in omega-3, and on the other hand, a study published in the Journal of Clinical pediatrics in 2008 indicated that there was no significant change in cognitive functions in Children when taking omega-3, and more studies are needed to confirm this effect.

Reducing high blood pressure:

A study published in Prostaglandins, Leukotrienes and Essential Fatty Acids in 2013 indicated that omega-3 intake in late infancy can increase the level of EPA in infants, which may be associated with lowering blood pressure, as well as enhancing their brain development, thus improving cognitive and cardiac effects. Vascular.

Studies on the benefits of omega-3s for children A comprehensive analysis of 6 studies published in Neuropsychiatric Disease and Treatment in 2017 indicated that taking omega-3 supplements may improve hyperactivity, lethargy, and stereotypy in people with autism, but the number of studies The studies conducted about this benefit are limited, and more evidence is still needed to prove it, and it is worth noting that low levels of omega-3 have been observed in children with autism, and the use of omega-3 is widespread as part of primary care practice despite the lack of sufficient evidence For its effectiveness in alleviating the symptoms of autism.

Recommended amounts of omega-3 for children

The value of the adequate intake for infants refers to the total omega-3 of its three types. As for children from one year of age and older, the adequate intake refers to alpha-linolenic acid (ALA), and specific amounts were not recommended for the two types of omega-3, EPA and DHA.

Omega 3 side effects for children

The degree of safety of omega-3 for children The fatty acid DHA is often safe when used appropriately and in moderate quantities, as it is a component of some types of formula milk for children, but it is likely not safe when used for premature infants who were born in the twenty-ninth week or less of gestational age, as It can exacerbate breathing problems for infants with breathing difficulties, and it is worth noting that there is no information available about the safety of children’s consumption of the other types of omega-3 EPA and ALA.

The side effects of omega-3 supplements such as fish oil are very mild, but some types can cause common effects, such as: bad breath, bad taste in the mouth, headache, heartburn, nausea, diarrhea, and stomach disturbances. the stomach, so it must be ensured that the child is given the recommended dose only to reduce the occurrence of these side effects, and omega-3 can also be given in lower doses and gradually increased to assess its effects on the child, and it is worth noting that there are some people who are allergic to fish or shellfish, and they should avoid Take fish oil, or other similar nutritional supplements such as: cod liver oil and krill oil.

Overview of Omega-3 Omega-3 is a fatty acid that is an integral part of important nutrients.