Omega 3 for children: the benefits

Experts have been telling us for some time: taking omega-3s is good for babies while they are still in their mother's belly. And science continues to confirm the benefits of taking them since pregnancy; a recent review of studies on the subject, for example, concluded that taking at least 500 mg a 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 babies?

Omega 3 for healthy and peaceful children

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

Supplementation with marine-derived omega-3s (DHA and EPA, eicosapentaenoic acid) from an early age affects vision and attention span, comprehension and learning abilities of children, while protecting their cardiovascular health through a blood pressure-lowering effect. In older children, on the other hand, omega-3 has been associated with benefits against attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder, from improved reading skills to improved behavior and reduced anxiety.

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

Omega 3 for children: which ones to choose

Whether during pregnancy and breastfeeding or when omega 3 is taken directly by children, it is important to rely on safe products of high quality. Purity, freshness and concentration are characteristics that cannot be ignored; a high-quality supplement guarantees:

• The amount of omega 3 compared to that stated on the label;
• The absence of hazardous levels of contaminants (PCBs, dioxins and furans) and heavy metals (mercury, lead, arsenic, cadmium);
• The stability of the product.

From this point of view, the safety of products such as VitaDHA 1000 is officially certified by theInternational Fish Oil Standard (IFOS) program, which has awarded VitaDHA 1000 itself the highest IFOS 5-star rating for the positive scores it has received in all the tests it has undergone. Alongside VitaDHA 1000, other products in the Omegor range dedicated to health from an early age include. VitaDHA liquid, VitaDHA Baby drops (specifically formulated for infants with the pleasant taste of milk and cream), Omegor Kids (dedicated to supporting baby's growth, honey flavored with orange), Omegor Kids chewable (in chewable capsules with an all-fruit flavor) and Omegor Mind (for children with learning disabilities). And for pregnant women, Omegor offers. VitaDHA Materna, with a source of folate 3 times more assimilable than folic acid.  

Insights: Omega 3 in pregnancy

• I am pregnant, which omega-3 for me and the baby?
• Pregnant women: only a quarter of them get enough Omega-3s
• Omega-3 deficiency in pregnancy: a dangerous and common condition especially among the weaker segments of the population
• Supplements in pregnancy, DHA promotes the development of lean body mass in children

Omega 3 during breastfeeding

• Omega-3 DHA in lactation: intake increases children's attention span

Omega 3 and premature babies

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

Omega 3 and allergies in children

• Children, Omega-3s reduce mite and milk allergies

Omega 3 and IQ

• Omega-3s may boost children's IQs

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.