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Omega 3 & Children

Everyone can benefit from the amazing properties of Omega 3 essential fatty acids. These good fats are vital in the diets of all ages, however children have specific advantages as they are still in the

stages of development when intellect and personality are still determining themselves. A child's intelligence starts all the way back to the moment of conception, the time in which nutrition plays a critical role. Just as Omega 3 fatty acids are crucial to proper brain functioning in adults, they are essential to the cerebral development in infants and children.

Some of you might remember being forced to take nasty fish oils capsules as children, or perhaps you are reminded of you children's faces as you forced them to take these horrible after-tasting essentials. Well it was all for a reason! Since the brain is made up essentially of fats, the types and proportions of these fats determine the effectiveness of the communication between all the brain cells.

Omega 3 acids are imperative to the cerebral development of neonates and an unbalanced supply of these acids could result in various health complications in all ages. Omega 3 is therefore an important part of a child's growing stages, as it contains EPA (eicosapentaenoic acid) and DHA (docosahexaenoic acid) that have beneficial influences in many aspects. Since the body cannot produce its own EPA and DHA acids it is important that we ensure that we receive the sufficient amount from external substitutes. So just as adults, if a child is has a deficiency of these vital fats the brain will not function properly and brain development is slowed.

Substantial evidence has proven that increasing fatty acid intake offers proper brain nutrition that can contribute to mood and concentration disorders, behavioural problems, learning difficulties and the very common ADHD hyperactivity disorder

Not only will omega 3 benefit the child's brain and intellect but also look after their immunity, autoimmune levels, and reduce the possibility of allergenic conditions such as eczema and other skin conditions. Research compiled during an extensive British study showed that children with behavioral, social and learning problems who added Omega 3 to their diets in the form of fish oils substitutes (for six months) tested more than a year further advanced in reading and spelling skills. It was noticed that children who suffered from ADHD had lowered levels of Omega 3 and with the appropriate fatty acid supplement had improved mood and managed to control concentration with no side effects related to many ADHD controlling drugs.

Omega 3 also has positive effects on the development of the retina in the fetus and children which aids in healthy eyesight, skin, joints and the heart, in turn undoubtedly also improving scholar and academic activities.

It is not easy growing up in today's competitive society but it is possible to give your children a head start by allowing Omega 3 to be an important part of their diets. It's as simple as adding foods that are rich in EPA and DHA acids or otherwise known as “brain foods” to their lunch tins. Salmon and other fatty fish contain high contents of Omega 3, as well as flax seed and flax seed oil, walnuts and omega 3 enriched eggs. These foods can be added to a healthy diet including nutrient rich natural foods; whole grains, legumes, fresh fruit and vegetables, milks and other dairy products. Avoid food products that contain high amounts of additives and preservatives that alter the chemicals in the brain and have counter effects on the body as well.

Health Organizations all over the world have been recommending that Omega 3 fish oil supplements is a more effective way of ensuring optimum benefits from these essential acids, and is probably a lot easier than worrying about the everyday menu containing EPA and DHA.

Technical advancement now offers fish oil available in various forms that will not leave you with that all famous “fishy burp”. Your children will thank you one day for making their schooling experience a lot easier; mentally, physically and aesthetically.