Omega 3 for children

Omega 3 for children … short guide

Many doctors recommend giving children Omega-3 to support healthy mental and physical development. Some even advise pregnant mothers to take it during the last months of pregnancy to help the embryo grow in a healthy manner. In other words, the importance of Omega-3 for children begins even before they are born.

Why does Omega-3 hold such importance in the world of dietary supplements?

This article serves as a concise guide for any parent seeking more details about this essential polyunsaturated fatty acid that offers numerous benefits for their child’s health: Omega-3. We will not only discuss the importance of Omega-3 for children, but also explore many related aspects, such as: Does Omega-3 cause weight gain in children? The effect of Omega-3 on children’s intelligence, when Omega-3 starts to take effect in children, when should a child be given Omega-3, and when should Omega-3 syrup be administered to our children?

In addition to discussing the benefits of Omega-3 for children, we will also answer the question: Does Omega-3 have any side effects on children? Finally, we will clarify what the best Omega-3 syrup for children currently available on the market is, and why.

Let’s begin by answering the main question:

What is the Omega-3?

Omega-3 is a polyunsaturated essential fatty acids with numerous benefits. It is typically extracted from fatty fish like: Salmon, Mackerel, Tuna, and Sardines, which are considered one of the best sources of Omega-3, Normally, the human body cannot produce Omega-3 despite its critical importance, so we need to obtain it from other rich dietary sources.

 

Omega-3 primarily consists of two main acids:

– Eicosapentaenoic Acid (EPA): This is one of the main components of Omega-3, and it is found in abundance in herring, cod, salmon, and mackerel. EPA offers numerous benefits to the body, especially cardiovascular system, in both aspects mentally and physically. It appears as a transparent, colourless oily liquid.

 

– Docosahexaenoic Acid (DHA): This is the other primary component of Omega-3. It is abundantly found in fish oil, breast milk, and algae oil. DHA appears as a yellowish oily liquid. It has significant benefits for the brain, cerebral cortex, and the retina.

 

Most Common Sources of Omega-3

Omega-3 can be extracted from both animal and plant sources. However, animal sources, primarily from sea fish, are usually richer in both quantity and nutritional value, specially the both important omega-3 fatty acids (EPA & DHA), which only found in marine sources, in other side the plant sources contain omega-3 fatty acid ALA only.

 

Omega-3 (EPA & DHA) are extracted from fish such as tuna, salmon, sardines, mackerel, and cod. But one of omega-3 type (ALA) obtained from plant sources, including soybeans, flaxseeds, walnuts, almonds, and olive oil, but this plant omega-3 source (ALA) does not have the befits similar to marine omega-3 EPA and DHA.

 

Importance of Omega-3 for the Body

 

• Regulates Heart Rhythms: Helps maintain regular heartbeats, which may aid in preventing heart attacks and strokes.
• Supports Brain Health: Nourishes cognitive functions and brain health, potentially reducing the risk of Alzheimer’s disease.
• Reduces bad triglycerides and Fat Build-up: Decreases the accumulation of TG and VLDL and other fats on the arterial walls, thereby reducing the risk of atherosclerosis.
• Lowers Blood Pressure: Helps to slightly reduce blood pressure.
• Promotes Eye Health: Beneficial for eye health specially the retina, also reducing dry eye syndrome, and improving the secretion of oil and water from the tear glands.
• Contains Iodine: Provides iodine, which is essential for cell growth and maturation.
• Activates Nervous, Muscular, and Reproductive Systems: Stimulates the nervous, muscular, and reproductive systems.
• Reduces Prostate Enlargement Risk: Lowers the likelihood of prostate enlargement.
• Improves Mood: Enhances overall mood, which may help in alleviating depression and psychological stress.

**The Importance and Benefits of Omega-3 for Children** 

 

For children, Omega-3 offers numerous benefits that start while they are still in their embryo stage, and continue through breastfeeding and beyond, contributing to their structure, growth and development. Some of these benefits include:

• **During Pregnancy**: If the mother takes Omega-3 during pregnancy, it enhances the healthy brain cells and retina formation, also enhance cognitive abilities and comprehension of infants.
• **During Breastfeeding**: Regular intake by the mother during these periods improves the infant’s thinking abilities.
• **Boosts Mental Abilities**: Omega-3 raises the intellectual and comprehension levels in children.
• **Enhances Social Interaction**: It improves focus and attention, leading to better social interaction.
• **Strengthens Memory**: Omega-3 helps improve memory, making it easier for children to recall information, both academically and in general.
• **Promotes Healthy Physical Growth**: supports cell growth and maturation, vital for a child’s healthy physical development.

Does Omega-3 Cause Weight Gain in Children? 

There is no direct link between Omega-3 intake and weight gain in children. However, Omega-3 is known to improve mood, and when people feel better, their appetite may improve, leading to an increased desire to eat. This could be one reason why some children who regularly take Omega-3 might gain healthy slight body weight.

However, there is no scientific evidence confirming that Omega-3 directly causes weight gain in children. In this case, any weight gain would be the result of other behaviours, potentially influenced by Omega-3 either directly or indirectly.

When Should Children Take Omega-3? 

This question can be interpreted in two ways: age and timing of dosage.

From an **age perspective**, children should start taking Omega-3 from the early stages of growth. Doctors often recommend pregnant mothers take Omega-3 throughout pregnancy, so that the foetus can benefit, enhancing both mental and physical abilities (healthy growth and strength).

Omega-3 can be taken by children of all age groups, starting from the first year of life through adolescence. It is beneficial for children at all stages of growth, if the recommended dosage is followed.

 

The Appropriate Dosage of Omega-3 for Children of Different Age Groups

The dosage of Omega-3 varies according to the child’s age. It starts with a small amount in the first year and gradually increases as the child grows, as follows:

• ** Children aged 1–3 years **: one ml OMEGROW syrup per day (containing 240 mg omega-3).
• **Children aged 4–6 years**:25 ml OMEGROW syrup per day (containing 300 mg omega-3).
• **Children aged 7–12 years**:5 ml OMEGROW syrup per day (containing 600 mg omega-3).
• **Children aged over12 years and adults**: 5 ml OMEGROW syrup per day (containing 1200 mg omega-3).

 

It is essential to consult a doctor regarding these dosages, as they may adjust them based on the child’s case, weight, and physical activity level.

Best Time to Take Omega-3

Ideally, Omega-3 should be taken in the middle of or after a main meal (lunch or dinner). Omega-3 may sometimes cause digestive issues, so it’s better to split the dosage into two smaller portions if needed. Possible symptoms include nausea or vomiting, as explained below.

 

Side Effects of Omega-3 for Children

Almost all medical or herbal supplements come with some slight side effects, and Omega-3 is no exception. Here are a few side effects that can vary in severity depending on dosage and the child’s age:

• **Nausea and Vomiting**: These symptoms occur when the amount of Omega-3 exceeds the recommended dosage. If a child experiences these symptoms, it is best to stop Omega-3 intake immediately and consult a doctor.
• **Harm of Overconsumption**: Some parents mistakenly increase the recommended dosage of Omega-3. This not only leads to nausea but can also weaken the body’s ability to fight harmful bacteria and other pathogens.
• **Severe Allergic Reactions**: Symptoms such as difficulty breathing, chest pain, irregular heartbeat, bloody cough, nose or gum bleeding, or prolonged bleeding from small cuts require immediate medical attention.
• **Digestive Issues**: These can include abdominal pain, constipation, or diarrhoea, making the child feel physically uncomfortable.

Why is OMEGROW the Best Omega-3 Supplement for Children Available in the Market?

Omegrow Omega-3 syrup (100 ml) has been manufactured with special attention to premium quality detail, ensuring it meets the highest global standards for children’s health. Here’s why it stands out:

• **Produced by a Renowned Spanish Company**: Manufactured in Spain by Martinez Spain, a reputable company specializing in dietary supplements since 1968, known for its high-quality products.
• **FDA-Approved Standards**: OMEGROW is produced in accordance with the international standards set by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA). The raw materials are sourced from globally certified suppliers recognized by international quality agencies such as GMP, ISO, IFS, and ES-ECO.
• **100% Natural and Safe**: Omega-3 in Omegrow is extracted from 100% natural sources and is free of harmful heavy metals like mercury and lead, ensuring the safety and health of children.
• **The highest Concentration of Omega-3**: With high concentrations of Omega-3, only a small dose (one ml only in children 1-3 years old) of Omegorw is needed to achieve the desired effect for children.
• **Child-Friendly Orange Flavour**: To mask the strong fish oil taste, OMEGROW is available with a delicious orange flavour that children love, making it easier for them to consume.
• **Appealing Packaging for Children**: The packaging of omegrow is designed with an attractive, child-friendly appearance to catch their attention and encourage them to take the supplement willingly.
• **Affordable Price**: Omegrow is reasonably priced, making it accessible for regular use, which is essential for children to maintain consistent focus, mental clarity, and energy.

 

These features make omegrow an ideal Omega-3 supplement for children’s mental and physical development.