Omega 3 children: fish oil in support of a healthy future

Omega-3 fatty acids are important peer development, well-being and health of children. In fact, they are essential nutrients needed by the body from conception. Their functions are also indispensable during childhood and adolescence. Throughout the different stages of child development, polyunsaturated fatty acids (including Omega-3) play essentially 3 roles:

- are important components of cell membranes, first and foremost at the level of the nervous system;

- participate in the reactions within cells that enable energy production;

- are the precursors of others of the 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: this means that children need to introduce Omega-3s through food. As in adults, there are 3 forms that can be taken at an early age:

- alpha-linolenic acid

- eicosapentaenoic acid (EPA)

- docosahexaenoic acid (DHA)

The former is contained in some algae, green legumes, nuts and flaxseeds. However, it is converted with low efficiency (estimated at around 5-15%) into EPA and DHA, Omega-3s of animal origin derived from anchovies, salmon, sardines and tuna. Once in the gastrointestinal tract, EPA and DHA are easily absorbed and are available for use.

Omega-3 for the health of little ones

In children, Omega-3 EPA and DHA have been shown to be useful in the treatment of asthmatic conditions. Data in the literature indicate that Omega-3s are effective in reducing the incidence of asthma and in controlling the intensity of seizures. Other studies have focused on the benefits of these fatty acids for pediatric psychiatric and psychological disorders. In particular, Omega-3s improve behavioral disorders in children suffering from attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHAD), dyslexia, and dyspraxia, a disorder of coordination and movement. Although the research highlighting these health benefits of Omega-3s for children provides preliminary data, these are findings characterized by an interesting therapeutic perspective. New data supporting the importance of these fatty acids in children continue to emerge. In fact, other studies have shown that EPA and DHA are useful in promoting the development of intellectual abilities even in school-age 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