The Daily Requirement of Omega-3
The Daily Requirement of omega-3 and What You Need to Know about Its Importance for Your Child
Understanding the daily requirement of omega-3 often becomes essential as the new school year approaches. Many parents complain about their children’s lack of focus during lessons and poor academic performance, which affects not only their final grades but also their general concentration. Some parents also report that when their children consume more Omega-3 than necessary, complications arise, some of which are serious enough to require medical intervention at a hospital.
To prevent such situations, it’s crucial to learn about omega-3—its benefits, risks, and the proper dosage—so that no child suffers due to lack of knowledge. This article will not only discuss the daily omega-3 requirements but also provide essential insights into omega-3 and what every parent should know before giving it to their child.
Why Is Omega-3 Important for Your Child?
Children need omega-3 fatty acids because they are crucial for both physical and mental development, and the body cannot produce enough on its own at any stage of life. Therefore, omega-3 becomes a lifelong companion for children—not just after birth but even before. Doctors often recommend omega-3 supplements for pregnant women to ensure the healthy development of the fetus.
What Is Omega-3?
Omega-3 is an essential polyunsaturated fatty acid extracted mainly from fish. It consists of two primary fatty acids: Eicosapentaenoic Acid (EPA) and Docosahexaenoic Acid (DHA), both of which are mainly derived from marine sources, particularly fish, though some plant sources also produce another type of omega-3 called Alpha-linolenic acid (ALA).
Omega-3 plays a vital role in several bodily functions, the most prominent of which include lowering cholesterol, fighting inflammation, and supporting eye and brain health.
Naturally, omega-3 EPA and DHA can be found in a variety of fish known for their high nutritional value, such as salmon, sardines, mackerel, tuna, and cod. But Alpha-linolenic acid (ALA) present in plant-based foods like soybeans and raisins, as well as nuts like walnuts and almonds, and oils such as olive oil and almond oil.
Due to its importance, doctors recommend regular consumption of omega-3 from natural marine sources. They advise eating at least two servings of fish, totaling no less than 150 grams, per week.
Benefits of Omega-3 for Your Child
The benefits of omega-3 for children begin not in childhood but during pregnancy. Obstetricians often prescribe omega-3 supplements to pregnant women to ensure the fetus grows healthily and receives the necessary amounts of this essential fatty acid. Some of its key benefits include:
- Enhancing brain development and mental abilities in the fetus if the mother consumes omega-3 during pregnancy.
- Supporting auditory and cognitive development in infants during early stages of life.
- Improving the child’s ability to comprehend and respond quickly to external stimuli, raising attentiveness.
- Boosting social interaction in children, helping prevent introversion by enhancing their ability to engage with others through increased focus and awareness.
- Enhancing memory, making it especially beneficial during school periods to improve learning and retention.
For these reasons, it’s essential to understand the daily Omega-3 requirements for children at various stages of life, particularly when using a high-quality, concentrated product like Omegrow syrup (Omega-3) for children 100ml, which is certified by global quality agencies for dietary supplements.
Daily omega-3 Requirements Based on Age Group
One of the advantages of a product like Omegrow syrup (Omega-3) for children 100ml is that it provides a concentrated dose of Omega-3 fatty acid. While children may need to consume 5 to 10 ml of other types of Omega-3 product, they only need 1ml of Omegrow due to its high concentration of pure omega-3.
Here is the recommended daily intake of omegrow for children based on age group:
- Children aged 1–3 years: 1ml of Omegrow (containing 240mg of EPA+DHA)
- Children aged 4–6 years: 1.25ml of Omegrow (containing 299mg of EPA+DHA)
- Children aged 7–12 years: 2.5ml of Omegrow (containing 598mg of EPA+DHA)
- Children over 12 years: 5ml of Omegrow (containing 1196mg of EPA+DHA)
It’s essential for parents to stick to the recommended dosage mentioned above and ensure that it is given under the supervision of a doctor who understands the child’s health and can determine the appropriate dosage. Additionally, exceeding the recommended dosage can have adverse effects on the child’s health, ranging from mild to severe.
Risks of Exceeding the Daily Omega-3 Requirement in Children
Let’s assume that, for some reason, a child consumes more omega-3 than the daily recommended amount. How can this happen?
- Forgetfulness: The parent or child forgets that the child has already taken the daily dose and repeats it.
- Carelessness: Parents might think it’s okay to let the child take the dose directly from the bottle without measuring it accurately, leading to an overdose.
- Misjudgment: Some parents might mistakenly believe that increasing the dose will enhance the desired effect.
None of these scenarios should happen, as they can harm the child’s health. Here are some of the risks of exceeding the daily Omega-3 intake in children:
- Digestive issues: This can include constipation, diarrhea, or gas, all of which are intensified when the dosage is exceeded.
- Nausea or vomiting: This is a more severe form of digestive upset, where the child feels nauseous and has a strong urge to vomit.
- Weight gain: While this has not been conclusively proven, it is theorized that Omega-3 can improve a child’s mood, leading to an increased appetite and subsequent weight gain.
- Allergic reactions: In rare cases, children may have an allergic reaction to one of the Omega-3 components (EPA or DHA), resulting in symptoms such as nosebleeds, gum bleeding, or difficulty breathing. In such cases, immediate medical attention is necessary.
Conclusion:
The daily requirement for omega-3 in children varies based on age and weight, and it should primarily be determined by a doctor. When using Omegrow Syrup (omega-3) for children 100ml, it’s important to note that it is a highly concentrated product, and a reduced dosage should be given compared to other Omega-3 products.