Omega-3 EPA/DHA supports normal infant growth and development. Infants and toddlers need Omega-3 DHA for proper brain and vision (retinal) development. All children benefit from Omega-3 EPA/DHA for healthy bodies.
Studies show that most toddlers to older children aren’t getting enough Omega-3 because of eating a standard “Western” diet, high in Omega-6 (soy and vegetable oils) and bad (trans and saturated) fats and low in Omega-3 EPA/DHA (fish and seafood). Getting enough Omega-3 EPA/DHA is an important part of providing your child with a healthy, balanced diet.
Worldwide heath organizations recommend Omega-3 EPA/DHA from fish and/or purified fish oil supplements. Omega-3 EPA/DHA supplements and enriched foods offer healthy, convenient alternatives for those who can’t or don’t eat fish.
When a breastfeeding mother consumes the recommended amount of Omega-3 EPA/DHA, these nutrients are passed from her body to her infant, through her breast milk. However, an infant's need for Omega-3 doesn’t decrease once the breastfeeding stage ends. In fact, both the brain and eyes continue to develop, so it’s critical that the infant keeps receiving enough Omega-3 after weaning. Even after the brain has developed, a consistent supply of EPA/DHA is still needed, as DHA is a structural part of every brain cell and both EPA and DHA play a crucial role in the brain’s ability to function.
Studies have shown that fish oil helps infants and toddlers:
- Continue to develop a fully functional nervous system, including a healthy brain.
- Continue to develop healthy eyes and visual acuity
Numerous studies have demonstrated a positive link between Omega-3 from fish oil and infant health, and many infant formulas fortified with DHA are now available. Unfortunately, getting toddlers and older children to eat foods rich in Omega-3, mainly cold-water fatty fish, can be a real challenge. As any parent knows, kids can be fussy eaters and it’s not always easy to make them eat the foods they need to stay healthy. To provide toddlers and school-aged children a palatable way to consume their daily Omega-3, a growing number of food manufacturers are including Omega-3 EPA/DHA in food products such as breads, yogurt, and milk. Omega-3 EPA/DHA fortified foods offer a convenient way to ensure young children receive enough Omega-3 EPA/DHA.
Metabolic Health
Healthy Weight & Metabolism
Swedish university study found that kids with the highest BMI (Body Mass Index) had the lowest Omega-3 levels and ate more sugar, “junk food,” carbohydrates and Omega-6 (polyunsaturated vegetable oils). (Garemo. AJCN. 2006; 84(5):1021-6)
A French university review of ICAPS (Intervention Centered on Adolescents’ Physical Activity and Sedentary Behavior Study) found that overweight kids had higher saturated fat and lower Omega-3 levels in blood tests. (Klein-Platat. AJCN, 2005;82(6):1178-84)