Omega-3s For Kids, Should They Take Them?
The human body contains many essential nutrients, including omega-3 fatty acids. Unfortunately, not everybody knows the exact amount to consume. These significant and healthful fats are lacking in the present Standard American Diet, which produces the conditions for many fatty acid imbalances. Recent research shows that several Americans, mainly children, consume too much Omega-6 fats but not enough Omega-3 fats in their diets, which can lead to many health problems.
Now, it is essential to know that Omega-g fatty acids aren’t dangerous and play a beneficial role in balancing the diet. But they must be sourced from a valuable source. However, problems start when inadequate omega-3 fatty acids are combined with large amounts of omega-6 fatty acids.
Present-day diets also play a role in this regard, both in children and adults. Low levels of nutrients such as Omega-3 fatty acids have been attributed to a number of diseases and health disorders in children. Based on these findings, pediatricians and nutritionists posit that children who lack optimum amounts of these FAs are bound to have diseases or other problems. These include behavior disorders, the ability to experience varying and unstable moods, concentration difficulties, and failure to pay attention to specific things.
Difference Between the Omega-3 and Omega-6 Fatty Acids
Omega-3 and omega-6 are two kinds of polyunsaturated essential fatty acids, and both are important in maintaining our overall health. Most of these nutrients are needed because some cannot be naturally produced in our bodies. Thus, we must get them from foods with high levels of omega-3 fatty acids or in the form of supplements.
Three fatty acids are perhaps the most commonly recognized nutrients incorporated into tablets: eicosatetraenoic acid (EPA), docosahexaenoic acid (DHA), and alpha-linolenic acid (ALA).
These nutrients are required to help support children’s brain growth and healthy function, preserve the integrity and function of the phospholipid structure of cells, and support the immune system in fighting viruses and bacteria.
It is worth noting that omega-6s are also essential fatty acids linked with numerous key benefits associated with brain and cellular function. Like omega-3s, some different kinds of omega-6s are kept in foods and the body.
The most common are linoleic acid, which is converted to arachidonic acid in the body; gamma-linolenic acid, which is converted to dihomo-gamma linolenic acid in the body; and conjugated linoleic acid. While the body primarily needs omega-6 fats for energy, other fats, such as GLA and DGLA, have also been present to reduce the risk of inflammation-related problems to some extent.
Many foods contain omega-6 fatty acids, some of which are superior to others. Omega-6-rich foods involve:
- Walnuts
- Poultry
- Safflower oil
- Soy
- Hemp seeds
- Sunflower seeds
- Peanuts
- Red meat
- Corn
- Many processed foods
Like omega-6s, omega-3 fatty acids can be acquired from many foods, which are also beneficial. Foods that contain omega-3s include:
- Chia seeds
- Flax seeds
- Olives
- Walnuts
- Avocado
- Cod liver oil
- Pastured or enriched whole eggs
- Fatty fish like salmon, herring, mackerel, sardines, and anchovies
The best possible ratio of omegas for well-being, confirmed by nutrition specialists, ranges from 1:1 and 1:4 omega-6 to omega-3. Still, ratios of 10:1 to 20:1 are often consumed more frequently than this one, which results in significant insufficiency in the body.
Should Children Supplement With Omega-3S?
We all know that holding sufficient quantities of fatty acids in your child's diet is essential, but getting your kid to eat foods that include these essential nutrients can be challenging. Parents and guardians attempt to get their children to afford these foods at the dinner table, even salmon, tuna, olives, or avocado.
And we get it: some of these foods are of higher quality and experience more mature taste buds. But that doesn’t mean your child’s health must be upset until they are older and their taste buds are fully grown. Supplementing with omega-3 tablets designed mainly for kids is a great way to ensure your child gains the balanced nutrients they require to stay healthy, happy, and refreshed.
According to research, kids who take omega-3 supplements enhance their learning results and improve their control of behavioral issues like impulse control, memory loss, and concentration problems. Frequent consumption may also improve respiratory and sleep quality.
Most kids' omega-3 gummies and tablets you may buy at the pharmacy or supermarket usually need to be more concentrated to provide the health benefits mentioned. In contrast, most research indicates that most children benefit from taking 1,200–1,300 mg of combined DHA and EPA daily.
Is It Safe For Kids to Supplement With Omega-3S?
While contacting your child's doctor before initiating any new supplementation is necessary, many kids find omega-3 fatty acid supplements are acquired and easy to tolerate. Most premium tablets test their products to ensure they are safe for ingestion.
Still, many parents might question whether they should worry about high amounts of mercury or other harmful heavy metals in their omega-3 supplements. Examining the labels for vital quality control procedures, which involve micro-purification and certification from third-party testing organizations, is essential.
Here are Our Top Approved Omega-3 Supplements For Children!
Nordic Naturals-Arctic Omega Lemon 1000 Mg 180 Gels
Nordic Naturals-Vitamin D3 Kids 60 Gummies
Thorne-Super EPA NSF 90 Gel Caps
Takeaway: Are Omega-3 Supplements Suitable For Kids?
One of the most frequently accepted and favorable supplements for children now is omega-3 fats. However, you should always see your child's physician before beginning any new prescription.
