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Consuming adequate amounts of Omega-3 EPA (Eicosapentaenoic Acid) and DHA (Docosahexaenoic Acid) when you’re pregnant and breastfeeding helps ensure your child’s proper visual and cognitive development. However, the need for Omega-3 EPA/DHA doesn’t go away once the breastfeeding stage ends. In fact, your child’s brain and eyes continue to develop throughout toddlerhood, so it’s critical that he keep receiving ample EPA and DHA after weaning.
In addition to their role in cognitive and visual development, Omega-3 EPA and DHA have other benefits for children. Specifically, research has shown they may:
- Improve behavior and learning disorders, including Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD) and Developmental Coordination Disorder (DCD)
- Promote maturation of the immune system
- Reduce inflammatory conditions such as asthma, childhood depression, and type 1 diabetes
- Support a healthy weight and metabolism
Visual and Cognitive DevelopmentResearchers continue to investigate how DHA affects toddlers’ visual and cognitive development. It has been shown that infant formulas fortified with both DHA and the Omega-6 fatty acid ARA (Arachidonic Acid) support visual and cognitive development through 39 months (3¼ years) of age. By ensuring your toddler consistently consumes a diet providing foods rich in Omega-3 EPA and DHA, you can continue to promote her growth and development.
Behavior and Learning Disorders (ADHD, DCD)A number of studies in children have found that Omega-3 fatty acids have significant potential in the improvements of ADHD symptoms. In fact, Omega-3 EPA/DHA deficiencies in children are linked with reading and spelling difficulties, as well as problems with recall. Research shows supplementation with EPA/DHA may improve inattention, hyperactivity, defiant behavior, and conduct disorder in children with ADHD. Similarly, these essential nutrients may improve reading, spelling, and behavior in children with development coordination disorder.
Immune System MaturationEmerging research has shown that Omega-3 fatty acid intake may result in faster maturation of the immune system. Studies observe that when Omega-3 EPA/DHA supplements are taken while breastfeeding, their positive effects on children’s immunity are still apparent two years later. Make sure you continue to support your child’s immune system after weaning, by replacing the Omega-3 EPA/DHA he used to get from your breast milk with foods that are rich in Omega-3 EPA and DHA.
Inflammatory ConditionsAsthma, depression, and type 1 diabetes are all conditions linked to inflammation. Studies show that dietary supplementation with Omega-3 EPA/DHA-rich fish oil, which has anti-inflammatory properties, may be beneficial to children with bronchial asthma, reduce the symptoms of childhood depression, and lower children’s risk of getting type 1 diabetes. By consistently providing your toddler or school-aged child with foods containing Omega-3 EPA and DHA, you may protect her from developing both physical and mental problems.
Healthy Weight and MetabolismResearchers have noticed an interesting association between children’s Omega-3 EPA/DHA intake and their body weight: kids who have higher intakes of Omega-3 EPA/DHA tend to have lower body weight. In the same vein, children with metabolic syndrome, which is characterized by obesity, register the lowest blood levels of Omega-3 EPA and DHA.
Because numerous studies have demonstrated the positive effects of EPA and DHA, a growing number of manufacturers are putting these essential nutrients into their products. For example, many infant formulas and cereals are now fortified with DHA. These important nutrients are showing up in other food products too, such as breads, yogurt, and milk. Omega-3 EPA/DHA fortified foods provide a convenient way to ensure your toddler or school-aged child receives enough EPA and DHA.
MEG-3® as a Rich Dietary Source of Omega-3 EPA and DHA for your ToddlersMany doctors, nutritionists, and health professionals recognize the numerous health benefits that a diet rich in Omega-3 EPA and DHA can provide your toddler or school-aged child. From improvements in cognition and behavior to maintaining a healthy weight, Omega-3 EPA/DHA can help your kids to learn and to enjoy life to its full potential. MEG-3® delivers Omega-3 EPA and DHA in a convenient and worry-free way. Available as a dietary supplement, and as a healthy food ingredient, MEG-3® provides your child with Omega-3 EPA/DHA that conforms to worldwide quality and purity standards. Along with a well-balanced diet, supplements or foods that contain MEG-3® ensure that you and your family are getting adequate amounts of these two essential nutrients.
References:1. Auestad N, Scott D, Janowsky J, Jacobsen C, Carroll R, Montalto M, Halter R, Qiu W, Jacobs J, Connor W, Connor S, Taylor J, Neuringer M, Fitxgerlad K, Hall R. “Visual, cognitive, and language assessments at 39 months: a follow-up study of children fed formulas containing long-chain polyunsaturated fatty acids to 1 year of age.” Pediatrics 112, no., 3 pt 1 (September 2003): 177-83.
2. Helland IB, Smith L, Saarem K, Drevon CA. “Maternal supplementation with very-long-chain n-3 fatty acids during pregnancy and lactation augments children’s IQ at 4 years of age.” Pediatrics 111, no., 1 (January 2003): e39-44.
3. Lauritzen L, Kjaer TM, Fruekilde MB, Michaelsen KF, Frokiaer H. “Fish oil supplementation of lactating mothers affects cytokine production in 2 ½ year-old children.” Lipids 40, no., 7 (July 2005): 669-76.
4. Nagajura T, Matsuda S, Shichiijko K, Hata K. “Dietary supplementation with fish oil rich in omega-3 polyunsaturated fatty acids in children with bronchial asthma.” The European Respiratory Journal: Official Journal of the European Society for Clinical Respiratory Physiology 16, no., 5 (November 2000): 861-5.
5. Innis. Dietary (n-3) fatty acids and brain development. The Journal of Nutrition. 2007; 137: 855–859.
6. Lauritzen, et al. The essentiality of long chain n-3 fatty acids in relation to development and function of the brain and retina. Progress in Lipid Research. 2001; 40:1±94.
7. Singh. Essential fatty acids, DHA and the human brain. Indian Journal of Pediatrics. 2005; 72(3):239-42.
8. Jensen, et al. Effects of n 3 fatty acids during pregnancy and lactation. American Journal of Clinical Nutrition. 2006; 83:1452S–7S.
9. Lauritzen, et al. 2004; maternal fish oil supplementation in lactation: effect on visual acuity and n-3 fatty acid content of infant erythrocytes. Lipids. 244; 39(3):195-206.
10. Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (FAO), 2005.
11. Helland, et al. Maternal supplementation with very-long-chain n-3 fatty acids during pregnancy and lactation augments child-ren’s IQ at 4 years of age. Pediatrics. 2003 Jan;111(1):e39-44.
12. Hibbeln, et al. Maternal seafood consumption in pregnancy and neurodevelopmental outcomes in childhood (ALSPAC study): an observational cohort study. The Lancet. 2007; 369:578-85.
13. Damsgaard, et al. Fish oil supplementation modulates immune function in healthy infants. American Society for Nutrition Journal of Nutrition. 2007; 137:1031-36.
14. Stene, et al. Use of cod liver oil during the first year of life is associated with lower risk of childhood-onset type I diabetes: a large, population based, case-control study. American Journal of Clinical Nutrition. 2003; 78:1128 –34.
15. Norris, et al. Omega-3 polyunsaturated fatty acid intake and islet autoimmunity in children at increased risk for type I diabetes. JAMA. 2007; 298:1420-28. (DAISY).
16. Richardson, et al. The Oxford-Durham study: a randomized controlled trial of dietary supplementation with fatty acids in children with developmental coordination disorder. Pediatrics 2005; 115(5):1360-1366.
17. Richardson, et al. Omega-3 fatty acids in ADHS and related neurodevelopmental disorders. International Review of Psychology. 2006; 18(2):155-172.
18. Sorgi, et al. Effects of an open-label pilot study with high-dose EPA/DHA concentrates on plasma phospholipids and behavior in children with attention deficit hyperactivity disorder. Nutrition Journal. 2007; 6(16).
19. Sinn, et al. Effect of supplementation with polyunsaturated fatty acids and micronutrients on learning and behavior problems associated with child ADHD. Journal of Developmental & Behavioral Pediatrics. 2007; 28(2):82-91.
20. Stordy, Jackie. Slide presentation: Nutrition, behaviour and cognitive skills, can dietary supplements help. October 2005.
21. Oddy, et al. Ratio of omega-6 to omega-3 fatty acids and childhood asthma. Journal of Asthma. 2004; 41(3):319-26.
22. Nemets, et al. Omega-3 treatment of childhood depression: a controlled, double-blind pilot study. American Journal of Psychiatry. 2006; 163:1098–1100.
23. Klein-Platat, C. et al (2005). Plasma fatty acid composition is associated with the metabolic syndrome and low-grade inflammation in overweight adolescents. American Journal of Clinical Nutrition. 82; 1178-84.
24. Garemo, et al. Metabolic markers in relation to nutrition and growth in healthy 4-y-old children in Sweden. American Journal of Clinical Nutrition. 2006; 84(5):1021-6.
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What Is Omega-3
Health Benefits
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Health Benefits Overview
More than 8,000 studies published over the past 35 years have consistently shown that Omega-3 EPA (Eicosapentaenoic Acid) and DHA (Docosahexaenoic Acid), are important to your health throughout every stage of your life. Omega-3 EPA and DHA have complementary roles in human health: DHA plays a structural role as a component of cell membranes, while EPA ...
Omega-3 Overview
Omega-3 fatty acids are a group of polyunsaturated fatty acids found in fish and certain plants that provide important health benefits. In fact, Omega-3 fatty acids are just as important to your health as vitamins, playing a crucial role in cardiovascular health and brain function, as well as normal growth and development. For infants, seniors, and ...
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