Fish oil for kids

Fish oil is extremely healthy and beneficial oil derived from the tissues of oily fish. Oily fishes have oil in their tissues and in the belly cavity around their gut. Their fillets may contain up to 30 percent of oil. These fishes are great source of Vitamins A and D, as well as in omega 3 fatty acids. Consumption of oily fishes and fish oil can be very beneficial to humans, and may prevent some of the most severe diseases, including cardiovascular disease. However, oily fishes have much higher level of contaminants than white fish, since they often grow in environment saturated with mercury and dioxin.

Fish oil benefits

Fish oil has many heart healthy benefits. It lowers triglycerides and increases the good cholesterol levels. It also reduces inflammation and thus prevents heart disease, cancer, autoimmune diseases, psoriasis, and Alzheimer's disease. It is great in reducing the symptoms and pain of arthritis and age-related macular degeneration. Fish oil contains many anti-aging properties and increases the lifespan of all body cells. It is also great for mental health and reduction in severity of depression, bipolar disorder, and schizophrenia.

Fish oil for kids

As already mentioned, fish oil is good for overall health, but it also has some great benefits, especially for children. Fish oil is rich in properly balanced omega-3 fatty acids. Any kind of deprivation of this essential nutrient can have a severe effect on a development of the child. The importance of this nutrient starts even before the child is born. Pregnant women are advised to eat foods rich in omega-3 polyunsaturated fatty acids to get protection against fetal brain injury and promote fetal and infant brain health.

If a mother received fish oil supplements for the first four months of lactation, the child will have better psychomotor development at 30 months of age. Five year olds, whose mothers received fish oil supplementation for the 4 months of breastfeeding, typically score better on a test of sustained attention. Taking fish oil supplements during pregnancy may reduce child’s sensitization to common food allergens and lower the risk of certain skin diseases in the first year of life.

Fish oil is used in treatment of ADD and ADHD, as it improves behavior in children, improves concentration and parent bonding. It is also great for learning disabilities as it improves learning skills. Fish oil is also recommended for children suffering from autism spectrum disorders, since it reduces the symptoms. It also improves mood and alleviates depression.