Skip to content

The Ultimate Guide to Omega 3 for Kids: Benefits, Dosage, and More

Discover the benefits of Omega 3 for kids. Read our guide to understand how fun, tasty gummies can be a game-changer in providing essential nutrients for growing minds and bodies. Say goodbye to the challenges of pill supplements and join us in exploring this child-friendly approach to health. Suitable for ages 2 and up.

Omega-3 fatty acids are important for everyone. For adults, they can lead to a healthier heart and might even help with conditions like arthritis, depression, and Alzheimer’s. Even our pets, like cats and dogs, need omega-3s to stay in good shape. Pregnant women need them for their babies’ brain growth. And kids need them to help them learn.

So, how do we get more omega 3 for kids? Eating more fish, or choosing foods that have added omega-3s are some options. But adding a supplement could be game-changing for your kid’s health too.

But it's important to know that not all omega 3s are the same. They come in different types and each type might offer different health benefits. Even so, one thing is clear: adding them to our diet is a smart choice for better health.

Why are Omega-3 Fatty Acids Important?

omega 3 benefits for kids

Omega-3 fatty acids play a fundamental role in children's health and development.

Eicosapentaenoic acid (EPA)

  • Role in Kids' Health: Found primarily in fish oil, EPA helps reduce inflammation in the body, which can be especially useful for kids with allergies or asthma.
  • Benefits for Kids: Its anti-inflammatory properties can help alleviate symptoms of conditions that children may face, such as skin issues like eczema. Additionally, EPA can support a child's mood and may reduce the occurrence of mood swings.

Docosahexaenoic acid (DHA)

  • Brain and Vision Development: DHA is fundamental for children's brain and eye health. During their early years, kids require adequate DHA for their brain and vision to develop correctly.
  • Benefits for Kids: Ensuring a proper intake of DHA can help support better cognitive functions, focus, and learning capabilities in school. It also plays a role in the development of a child's eyesight, ensuring good vision.

Alpha-linolenic acid (ALA)

  • Source: While DHA and EPA are found in marine sources, ALA is in plant-based foods, such as flaxseeds, chia seeds, and walnuts – all of which can be great additions to kids' meals.
  • Benefits for Kids: ALA can provide energy for active kids and can be converted to EPA and DHA in the body, though at lower rates. Incorporating ALA-rich foods can ensure that children who may not eat fish still receive some omega-3 benefits, such as supporting heart health and aiding brain function.

For children's growth, cognitive development, and overall health, it's crucial to ensure they receive a balanced intake of all three omega-3s. Whether through diet or supplements, these fatty acids offer a foundation for healthy development.

Omega 3 for Kids: Benefits

Here's a deeper dive into the specific benefits they offer children.

omega 3 for kids benefits

Omega-3 and Brain Boosting Power

  • The Brain's Building Blocks: About 60% of our brain, is made up of fats. Out of this, DHA forms a critical 10-15%. For kids, this highlights the importance of maintaining a diet rich in omega-3.
  • Enhanced Learning and Memory: A research initiative that lasted six months observed 183 kids. Those who consumed foods high in omega-3 showcased notable improvements in their ability to learn and remember things.

Sleep Better with Omega-3

  • The Importance of Restful Sleep: Every parent knows the value of a good night's sleep for their child's growth and overall well-being.
  • Less Night-time Disturbances: In a study involving 395 kids, a pattern emerged – lower levels of omega-3 in the blood correlated with more sleep disruptions. Positively, kids who were supplemented with DHA experienced fewer sleep disturbances.

Breathe Easier: Omega-3's Effect on Asthma

  • Dealing with Asthma: For kids with asthma, the symptoms can be both debilitating and distressing.
  • Reduced Symptoms: A promising study spanning 10 months and involving 29 children found that a daily dose of fish oil (containing a combo of 120 mg of DHA and EPA) significantly eased asthma symptoms.

Combatting ADHD with Omega-3

  • The Challenge of ADHD: ADHD is a common challenge faced by many kids, and while traditional treatments have their place, they also come with potential side effects.
  • Omega-3 to the Rescue: A revealing study showed that kids with a lesser intake of omega-3 faced a 31% higher risk of being diagnosed with ADHD. Even more encouraging was the discovery that children with ADHD, when given omega-3 supplements over four months, showed a decrease in symptoms such as hyperactivity, inattention, and hostility. Plus, their spelling skills improved!

Omega-3's Role in Regulating Insulin

  • Tackling Childhood Obesity: The repercussions of childhood obesity can be severe, leading to problems like insulin resistance.
  • The Omega-3 Solution: Research conducted on obese kids and teenagers pointed out that introducing omega-3 supplements to their diet led to notable decreases in glucose and insulin levels. It also had the added benefit of bringing down triglyceride levels.

Omega 3 for kids can offer an array of benefits, setting them up for a healthier life. Whether through natural sources like fish or through supplements, it's essential to ensure kids get their required dose of these powerful nutrients.

Recommended Omega-3 Intake for Kids

Ensuring the right dosage is crucial when it comes to omega-3 for kids. Here's the recommended adequate intake:

 Age Range Dosage
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

 

The Tasty Way to Boost Health: Omega-3 Gummies

Make vitamin time a fun time.  With our Omega-3 gummies, you ensure that your child gets the necessary nutrients in a format they'll look forward to every day. Boosting health has never been so delicious

  • Bite-Sized Fun: Our omega-3 gummies are not only packed with health benefits but are also fun and easy to consume. Kids love the chewy texture, making it a treat rather than a chore! 
  • Goodbye Fishy Smell: One of the biggest complaints with traditional omega-3 supplements is the off-putting fishy smell and aftertaste. Our gummies are zesty with orange and lemon flavors, ensuring that your kids get their essential nutrients without turning up their noses.
  • Safe and Natural: We care about what goes into our children's bodies. That's why our gummies are free from any synthetic dyes and artificial flavors. You can be confident that you're giving your child something safe and beneficial.
  • Suitable for Toddlers to Teens: Whether you have a toddler or a teenager, our gummies cater to kids aged 2 and up. Their universal appeal makes them a favorite across age groups.
  • Convenient for On-the-Go: Heading out? Just pop a few gummies into a container, and you're set. They're perfect for on-the-go snacking and ensuring your kids get their daily dose of omega-3, even when they're away from home.

Omega-3 fatty acids are indispensable for children's growth, development, and overall health. Ensure your child gets their daily dose, and you're on the right track to securing their health and wellness.

 omega 3 for kids

 

For more information on the benefits of Omega 3 for kids and adults, be sure to check out our other articles below: 

The Best Vegan Omega 3 Supplements: A Comprehensive Guide for Parents
Omega 3 Gummies: A Convenient and Kid-Friendly Option for Essential Fatty Acids
How to Choose Omega 3 Supplements for Kids: A Parent’s Guide to Safety and Quality