You’ve probably heard of how good vitamin A, B, and C, are for your body. But have you heard of omega-3 fatty acids? If you have, have you heard of the health benefits of fatty acids for kids? And did you know that these benefits are those that affect the body from the time you spend in your mother’s womb until you reach the old age?

 

While the human body can usually make most of the types of fats it needs from other fats or raw materials, it’s a different case for omega-3 fatty acids as it can only be acquired through the food that the body consumes.

 

In the recent years, omega-3 fatty acids have become a nutrition star. It’s considered one of the best supplements for kids. Aside from protecting the body against heart disease, these fatty acids are essential for brain function and development. Despite the numerous health benefits, most people aren’t getting enough of it in their diet. According to Dr. David C. Leopold of San Diego’s Scripps Center for Integrative Medicine, “Pretty much everybody’s diet is deficient in omega-3s.”

 

But what makes these fatty acids so special? Being a fundamental part of the body’s cell membranes, they pretty much affect the overall function of the cell receptors in these membranes. Because of these functions it helps the body in the following areas:

  • Prevention of heart disease, and stroke
  • Controlling the probability of acquiring lupus, eczema, or rheumatoid arthritis
  • Helps to protect and prevent cancer

 

Omega-3 Fatty Acids Benefits for Kids

 

Some of the aforementioned health conditions are usually developed later in life, which is why building up the healthy barrier during childhood or even during pregnancy—which is actually better, is important. The need for omega-3 during this stage is critical because of its strong link to brain function, and overall growth and development.

 

Helping in psychological and behavioral condition management, studies have shown omega-3 supplementation aid in treating attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD), impaired emotion processing, and anti-social traits because of its role in neurotransmitter function.

 

Healthy Munching Before Supplement Hunting

 

While taking supplements are the easiest way to go about nowadays—since capsules and tablets for different kinds of vitamins, and healthy products are available everywhere, opting to consume omega-3 food sources are the best way to go before anything else.

 

Meeting kid’s daily needs of omega-3 is just a breeze. You just have to make sure they eat these omega-3 top food sources, and you’re good to go:

  • Fish like Salmon, Sardines, Mackerel, Tuna
  • Other seafoods like Oysters, and Shrimp
  • Beef
  • Walnuts
  • Soy beans

Omega-3 Fatty Acids benefits for child's diet

If all else fails, have them chew on something that you can whip from these staple breakfast pieces:

  • Eggs
  • Juice
  • Milk
  • Yogurt

 

Healthy Limitations

 

While omega-3 has heaps load of advantages to your body, excessive amounts may alter the body’s immune function which can lead to a dysfunctional immune response or a viral or bacterial infection.

 

Recommended dosage for kids of omega-3s are:

  • 0 to 12 months: 0.5 grams/day
  • 1 to 3 years: 0.7 grams/day
  • 4 to 8 years: 0.9 grams/day
  • 9 to 13 years (boys): 1.2 grams/day
  • 9 to 13 years (girls): 1.0 grams/day
  • 14 to 18 years (boys): 1.6 grams/day
  • 14 to 18 years (girls): 1.1 grams/day

 

Like anything, it doesn’t work overnight. It will take weeks or months to notice improvements brought on by omega 3 fatty acid benefits. Improve your child’s diet by including good sources of omega 3s based on the recommended dosage for kids.

 

 

Sources:

https://www.hsph.harvard.edu/
http://www.webmd.com/
https://draxe.com/
http://oregonstate.edu/

 

 

Product You Might Be Interested In

 

 

Healthy Options Kidfit DHA Chewable Soft Gels

DHA is the first fatty acid used by the brain to form brain cell membranes. These chewable kid-friendly supplements are dairy-free. They contain omega-3 fatty acids to support children's focus, mood, learning, and positive behavior. 

 

Mahalagang Paalala: Ang mga produktong ito ay hindi gamot at hindi dapat gamiting panggamot sa anumang uri ng sakit.