Omega 3 for children: the benefits

Experts have been telling us for a long time: taking omega-3 is beneficial for children even when they are still in their mother’s womb. Science continues to confirm the benefits of omega-3 intake starting from pregnancy; a recent review of studies on the topic concluded, for example, that taking at least 500 mg per day of DHA (docosahexaenoic acid, the marine-derived omega-3 recommended for pregnant women) reduces the risk of premature birth. But what exactly are the benefits of omega-3 for children?

Omega-3 for Healthy and Happy Children

The reason why DHA needs increase during pregnancy is related to its fundamental role in the development and functioning of the central nervous system and the retina. High levels of DHA in blood and breast milk are directly associated with better growth and improved development of the brain and vision in children, while deficiencies and imbalances between omega-6 and omega-3 are linked to cognitive and behavioral problems. 

Supplementation with marine-derived omega-3s (DHA and EPA, eicosapentaenoic acid) from an early age influences vision and children’s attention span, comprehension, and learning abilities, while simultaneously protecting their cardiovascular health by lowering blood pressure. In older children, omega-3s have been associated with benefits against attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD), improving reading skills and behavior, as well as reducing anxiety.

But the benefits of omega-3 for children do not stop there: scientific evidence links their intake to benefits against asthma, and DHA supplementation during the first year of life has been associated with a protective effect against allergies. 

Choosing Omega-3 for Children

Whether during pregnancy, breastfeeding, or when omega-3s are taken directly by children, it is important to rely on high-quality, safe products. Purity, freshness, and concentration are essential characteristics; a high-quality supplement guarantees:

• the quantity of omega-3 matches what is stated on the label;
• absence of dangerous contaminant levels (PCBs, dioxins, and furans) and heavy metals (mercury, lead, arsenic, cadmium);
• product stability.

In this respect, the safety of products such as VitaDHA 1000 is officially certified by the IFOS (International Fish Oil Standard) program, which awarded VitaDHA 1000 the highest recognition of 5 IFOS stars for the positive scores it received in all verifications. Alongside VitaDHA 1000, other products in the Omegor range dedicated to health from childhood include VitaDHA liquid, VitaDHA Baby drops (specifically formulated for infants with a pleasant milk and cream flavor), Omegor Kids (to support child growth, honey flavored with orange), Omegor Kids chewables (chewable capsules with tutti-frutti flavor), and Omegor Mind (for children with learning difficulties). For pregnant women, Omegor offers VitaDHA Materna, with a folate source three times more bioavailable than folic acid. 

Further insights: Omega-3 in pregnancy

• I am pregnant, which omega-3 for me and my baby?
• Pregnant women: only one quarter of them consume enough Omega-3
• Omega-3 deficiency in pregnancy: a dangerous and common condition especially among vulnerable groups
• Supplements in pregnancy: DHA promotes lean mass development in children

Omega-3 during breastfeeding

• Omega-3 DHA in breastfeeding: intake increases children’s attention capacity

Omega-3 and premature babies

• Premature babies: direct omega-3 supplementation is safe and effective

Omega-3 and allergies in children

• Children, omega-3 reduce allergies to dust mites and milk

Omega-3 and IQ

• Omega-3 can boost children’s intelligence quotient

Omega-3 and children’s behavior

• Omega-3 DHA improves children’s reading skills and behavior   

Sources: González FE and Báez RV. In time: importance of omega 3 in children's nutrition. Rev Paul Pediatr. 2017 Jan-Mar;35(1):3-4. doi: 10.1590/1984-0462/;2017;35;1;00018 Oddy WH et al. Ratio of omega-6 to omega-3 fatty acids and childhood asthma. J Asthma. 2004;41(3):319-26.