Do children need omega 3 acids?

omega 3 fatty acidsOmega 3 acids are some of the most important ingredients in the diet, the supply of which should already be taken care of during the earliest years. When it comes to children, nutritionists recommend to provide the essential ingredients with the diet – but there are two exceptions: these are vitamin D3 and omega 3 acids. These two nutrients are essential for proper development of a child’s body, but very often the diet doesn’t contain enough of them. Why are omega 3 for children so important?

Omega 3 – essential for a child’s development

Omega 3 acids are an integral ingredient of cell membranes, as well as a building element for the brain. Unsaturated fatty acids are necessary for proper functioning of the entire nervous system, they support memory and learning processes and condition good concentration. Which shows that omega 3 provide a proper intellectual development of a child, while also supporting eyesight. Omega 3 fatty acids are also essential for proper functioning of the immune system – they limit the risk of infections and allergies.

Omega 3 fatty acids support development of bones, as they support absorption of calcium from the digestive tract. Their supply in the diet also makes it easier to absorb vitamins dissolved in fats – A, D, E and K. On top of that, they give energy, guarantee good mental well-being. High consumption of them from the very first days of life has a great influence on the health in adulthood – omega 3 limit development of diabetes, asthma, obesity, heart diseases, or even cancers. It’s hard to find better arguments in favor of taking care of the right supply of DHA and EPA fatty acids today in order to prevent omega 3 deficiency.

Omega 3 supplements for children – how to use them?

The main source of omega 3 acids for children should be the diet.

The best natural sources of omega 3 are:

– oily saltwater fish: mackerel, herrings, cods, salmons, tunas
– nuts, almonds and pumpkin seeds
– avocado
– flaxseed and chia
– cold pressed plant oils (especially linseed and rapeseed oil)

It’s a good idea to complement the diet with supplementation. In most cases, younger children are given fish oil or twist off type omega 3 capsules. Older children can already swallow traditional omega 3 capsules. The dosage for this type of preparations depends on the omega 3 supply in the diet; the recommended doses are about 250 mg of EPA and DHA per day. Omega 3 supplements for children are preparations that perfectly support the development and have a beneficial influence on health – no household should go without them.

Joanna Łysak Author

Dietetyk i certyfikowany ekspert żywienia i ketozy. Zwolenniczka zdrowego stylu życia i zdrowej diety, propagatorka trendu clean label, praktyk diety ketogenicznej i postu przerywanego. W pracy i życiu prywatnym stawia na brak kompromisów – sięga wyłącznie po produkty i suplementy diety najwyższej jakości.

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