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What are the Benefits of Fish Oil for Kids?

Synthia L. Rose
Synthia L. Rose

Omega-3 fatty acids in fish oil help to combat attention deficit disorder (ADD), dyslexia, hyperactivity and autism in kids. Even if children are not diagnosed with one of these conditions, fish oil for kids generally improves overall concentration and brain function. It also promotes calmness, alertness and awareness, possibly leading to improved academics and behavior. The docosahexaenoic acid (DHA) and eicosapentaenoic acid (EPA) found in omega-3 fatty acids are necessary for proper brain and eye function, research suggests.

Researchers report that when taken daily, fish oil for kids can often result in higher standardized test scores. Better writing, math, and reading performance has also been noticed among some children taking fish oil. Few negative side effects of fish oil, when taken as directed by packaging, are noted. Parents generally report that the best benefits come from supplements that do not contain artificial sweeteners and colorings, which can upset the stomachs of some children.

Mackerel is often used as the source for fish oil tablets.
Mackerel is often used as the source for fish oil tablets.

Fish oil for kids comes in gel supplements or liquid form and is usually made from the oil of salmon, mackerel or sardines. Chewy tablets are also available in some markets. Cod liver oil is also a source of omega-3 fatty acids, but is not seen by many doctors as a high-quality source when compared with salmon or mackerel oils because it lacks significant DHA and EPA. To appease the taste buds of children, most fish oil for kids comes in flavors such as orange, strawberry and lemon.

Fish oil for kids may help improve concentration and brain function.
Fish oil for kids may help improve concentration and brain function.

The lack of omega-3 fatty acids often leads to depression, impulsiveness, and a negative outlook on life, say some psychiatrists who back natural cures. Parents supplementing their children’s diets with fish oil generally notice changes in mood and productivity within a week. The shift is usually quite dramatic, because children are so deficient in omega-3 fatty acids that the sudden introduction almost shocks the system into balance, finally providing long-absent nutrition and a sense of well-being.

Salmon fillets are a good source of omega-3 fatty acids.
Salmon fillets are a good source of omega-3 fatty acids.

The dietary addition of omega-3 fatty acids through fish oil for kids also helps to balance the excess of omega-6 fatty acids, which children get from corn products and often have in abundance. Many families subsist on packaged foods and shun fresh fish, depriving children of the primary source of natural omega-3 fatty acids. Children who wish to gain fish oil directly from fresh foods can consider fresh mackerel, salmon and sardines. Taking supplements or foods with fish oil is necessary, because the human body itself does not produce any omega-3 fatty acids despite needing them.

Sardines are an excellent source of omega-3 fatty acids.
Sardines are an excellent source of omega-3 fatty acids.

Increasingly, behavioral psychologists are prescribing fish oil for kids in addition to standard medications to treat children and teens with bipolar disorders, manic depression and other brain-related illnesses. Fish oil, however, can be bought without prescriptions at most pharmacies or health food stores. Fish oil also improves heart function in both children and adults.

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    • Mackerel is often used as the source for fish oil tablets.
      Mackerel is often used as the source for fish oil tablets.
    • Fish oil for kids may help improve concentration and brain function.
      By: auremar
      Fish oil for kids may help improve concentration and brain function.
    • Salmon fillets are a good source of omega-3 fatty acids.
      By: dulsita
      Salmon fillets are a good source of omega-3 fatty acids.
    • Sardines are an excellent source of omega-3 fatty acids.
      By: nito
      Sardines are an excellent source of omega-3 fatty acids.
    • Children who take fish oil on a daily basis often score higher on standardized tests than their peers.
      By: Evgeniy Drogozhilov
      Children who take fish oil on a daily basis often score higher on standardized tests than their peers.
    • Fish oil supplements are rich in healthy fats, such as omega-3 fatty acids, eicosapentaenoic acid and docosahexaenoic acid, commonly called DHA.
      By: Stephen VanHorn
      Fish oil supplements are rich in healthy fats, such as omega-3 fatty acids, eicosapentaenoic acid and docosahexaenoic acid, commonly called DHA.