Does My Child Really Need Omega-3 Fats?
July 23rd, 2019

Does My Child Really Need Omega-3 Fats?

If you’re wondering whether omega-3 fats are truly necessary for your child’s growth and development, this is what you need to know.

Omega-3 fatty acids play an essential role in the health of your brain and central nervous system but are they as important for children as they are for adults?

The answer is, yes. Not only do omega-3s support your child’s central nervous and cardiovascular system but it helps improve their eyesight too. Some studies have even shown that omega-3s can reduce the symptoms of ADHD because they improve neurotransmitter function. 

Separate studies in Japan show that healthy levels of omega-3 can alleviate mood disorders such as depression and anxiety and it can even help the body fight upper respiratory infections. 

What are Omega-3 Fatty Acids Exactly?

Omega-3 fatty acids are a type of polyunsaturated fat that cannot be synthesized by the body. As the name suggests, this essential fat is made up of three types of acids: alpha-linolenic acid (ALA), eicosapentaenoic acid (EPA) and docosahexaenoic acid (DHA).

When omega-3s are consumed, they accumulate in the cell tissues and provide certain parts of the body with essential nutrients that improve functionality and overall health. 

Why Your Child Needs Omega-3 Fatty Acids

Here are just a few of the reasons why omega-3s need to be included in your child’s diet:

  • Supports cognitive development. This means that your child has the potential to improve their social skills, attention span, and IQ scores.
  • Improves eye function. Omega-3s play a leading role in the health of your child’s eyes. 
  • Improves behavior. Oxford University found that omega-3s could potentially enhance a child’s learning abilities and behavior. 
  • Reduces the effects of ADHD. While there are a number of different studies on this, it has been proven that omega-3s can help reduce the effects of ADHD, including emotional processing and socializing difficulties.

By ensuring your child is receiving the recommended daily dosage of omega-3, you’ll be providing their body and mind with essential cellular building blocks. 

Top Sources of Omega-3s for Kids

According to the National Institutes of Health, these are the recommended daily intakes of omega-3 for kids:

  • 0 to 12 months: 0.5 grams/day
  • 1 to 3 years: 0.7 grams/day
  • 4 to 8 years: 0.9 grams/day
  • 9 to 13 years (boys): 1.2 grams/day
  • 9 to 13 years (girls): 1.0 grams/day
  • 14 to 18 years (boys): 1.6 grams/day
  • 14 to 18 years (girls): 1.1 grams/day

Here is a list of the foods that you should consider adding to your child’s weekly diet if you want to increase their omega-3 intake:

  • Chia seeds
  • Walnuts
  • Sardines
  • Tuna
  • Flax seeds
  • Trout
  • Soybeans

It’s not always easy to get young children to eat foods such as this though, which is why many parents choose to supplement their child’s diet with the Omega DHA gummies from JoySpring Vitamins. Not only will this supplement ensure your child is meeting their daily intake requirements but the orange and lemon flavor is delicious, which means no bribery is necessary. Get 15% OFF using code JumpForJoySpring15!