Omega 3 for children: fish oil supports a healthy future

Omega 3 fatty acids are important for the development, well-being, and health of children. They are essential nutrients required by the body from conception. Their functions are also indispensable during childhood and adolescence. During the various stages of child development, polyunsaturated fatty acids (including Omega-3s) mainly play three roles:

- they are important components of cell membranes, especially in the nervous system;

- they participate in cellular reactions that allow energy production;

- they are precursors of other eicosanoids, molecules that regulate physiological processes such as inflammation and coagulation.

Omega-3 for children

The body is unable to synthesize the main polyunsaturated fatty acids, meaning that children must obtain Omega-3s from their diet. As in adults, there are three forms that can be consumed in early age:

- alpha-linolenic acid

- eicosapentaenoic acid (EPA)

- docosahexaenoic acid (DHA)

The first is found in some algae, green legumes, walnuts, and flax seeds. However, it is converted with low efficiency (estimated around 5-15%) into EPA and DHA, animal-derived Omega-3s from anchovies, salmon, sardines, and tuna. Once in the gastrointestinal tract, EPA and DHA are easily absorbed and available for use.

Omega-3 for children's health

In children, Omega-3 EPA and DHA have proven useful in the treatment of asthmatic conditions. Literature data indicate that Omega-3s effectively reduce the incidence of asthma and help control the severity of attacks. Other studies have focused on the benefits of these fatty acids for psychiatric and psychological disorders in childhood. In particular, Omega-3s improve behavioral disorders in children suffering from attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD), dyslexia, and dyspraxia, a disorder of coordination and movement. Although the studies highlighting these benefits of Omega-3 for children's health provide preliminary data, these discoveries present an interesting therapeutic perspective. New data supporting the importance of these fatty acids in childhood continue to emerge. Other studies have also demonstrated that EPA and DHA promote the development of intellectual abilities even in school-aged children who do not show learning disorders.  

Source 

1. Calder PC, “Long-chain n-3 fatty acids and inflammation: potential application in surgical and trauma patients”, Braz J Med Biol Res. 2003 Apr;36(4):433-46 

2. Holub B, “Alpha-Linolenic Acid (ALA, 18:3n-3) vs. Eicosapentaenoic (EPA, 20:5n-3) plus Docosahexaenoic Acid (DHA, 22:6n-3) as Dietary Omega-3 Fatty Acid Sources for Human Health”, 2005 

3. Oddy WH, de Klerk NH, Kendall GE, Mihrshahi S, Peat JK, “Ratio of omega-6 to omega-3 fatty acids and childhood asthma”, J Asthma. 2004;41(3):319-26 

4. Richardson AJ, “Clinical trials of fatty acid treatment in ADHD, dyslexia, dyspraxia and the autistic spectrum”, Prostaglandins Leukot Essent Fatty Acids. 2004 Apr;70(4):383-90 

5. Zhang J, Hebert JR, Muldoon MF, “Dietary fat intake is associated with psychosocial and cognitive functioning of school-aged children in the United States”, J Nutr. 2005 Aug;135(8):1967-73