In the past few years, Omega 3 has become a star of the nutrient world. Everyone is making different claims related to this supplement but is it all true? Recently, I have read somewhere that giving Omega 3 Fatty Acids to children can help them perform better at school. Really? As I had my own doubts I decided to dig further and ended up coming with this blog post. So, let’s explore the information I found through my in-depth research.
The journey to find the truth
Yes, I was aware of the fact that working professionals refer to take Health and Dietary Supplements to fulfill the body requirement of Omega -3 fatty acids but is it also important for children. I decided to pay a visit to the nutrient expert who can answer all of my questions.
Question # 1 what is omega 3 fatty acids?
Although it was an obvious question I decided to ask it to educate readers who are coming across the Omega fatty acid for the first time. Omega oil often known as fish oil is considered as the essential fatty acids because your body cannot produce them so, it needs to be obtained from the food. The fish oil people consume consists- two basic acids known as- EPA and DHA that improve brain and eye health.
Question # 2 what are the benefits of omega 3 to children
There are many studies suggests that Omega 3 fish oil offers several benefits for children including: –
Reduce Asthma: Some studies have revealed that Omega 3 fatty acid supplements help to reduce relieves the symptoms of asthma in children.
Improve sleep: Around 8% of children below the age of 18 suffer from sleep deprivation. Omega fish oil helps to reduce it and improve overall sleep.
Enhance brain health: emerging researches across the globe indicates that fish oil can actually improve brain functions.
Question # 3 what is the recommended dosage for children?
The daily needs of Omega 3 fatty acid depend upon the age and gender of children. If you are using the omega 3 capsules for your children, then carefully follow all the instructions given on the bottle. Notably, ALA is the only acid of the Omega 3 that comes with specific dosage guidelines as given below:
· 0-12 months: 0.5 grams
· 1–3 years: 0.7 grams
· 4–8 years: 0.9 grams
· Girls 9–13 years: 1.0 grams
· Boys 9–13 years: 1.2 grams
· Girls 14–18 years: 1.1 grams
· Boys 14–18 years: 1.6 grams
Still, it is suggested to take an opinion from your physician to give the right dosage to your children.
Question # 4 what are the potential side effects of Omega 3?
There are no serious side-effects of omega fish oil in children but the common one in children is as given below:
· Unpleasant aftertaste
· Bad breath
· Headache
· Nausea
· Stomach upset
· Heartburn
If you notice any of the above symptoms in your children then, it is highly recommended to consult with your doctor before continuing with the dosage.
Question # 5 what are other sources of Omega fish oil?
Apart from the capsules, there are also other ways to fulfill the daily needs of the omega-3 such as:
· Salmon
· Sardines
· Fresh tuna
· Oysters
· Shrimp
· Beef
· Walnuts
· Chia seeds
· Soybeans
The conclusion of our discussion was that Omega-3 fatty acids are important for your children’s overall health. It helps to aid sleeping issues, and meet daily needs. However, if you are opting for the fish oil for your children then, it is highly suggested to consult with the physician first to ensure the proper dosage.
