About DHA Omega-3 for Children
Medicinal Uses
DHA is often used as a naturopathic medicine for children, especially those with neurological, mental and behavioral disorders. DHA omega-3 may help to treat dyslexia, epilepsy, gross motor delays, ADHD, autism-spectrum disorders, mental retardation and pediatric depression. However, evidence of DHA's medicinal efficacy is mixed and inconclusive. Never use DHA alone as a treatment for a serious medical condition unless your child's pediatrician approves.
Nutritional Benefits
Even for children who do not have neurobehavioral disorders, DHA is key in a healthy, balanced diet. DHA in a young child's diet helps to facilitate the development of the brain, eyes, nerves and cardiovascular system. The human body produces trace amounts of DHA, but not enough to enable proper development if a child's diet contains little or none. Foods and supplements containing DHA omega-3 are important components of a healthy diet.
Sources
Most American diets do not contain enough DHA. The best food sources of DHA are fatty fish such as salmon and tuna, or DHA-fortified juices and dairy products. DHA supplements for children may take the form of chewable capsules or liquids. The flavor of liquid DHA supplements may be maksed with gelatin, chocolate milk or pudding. For infants and toddlers, human breast milk is the best source of the DHA omega-3 fatty acid.
Safety
DHA supplements are usually very minor, but no dietary supplement is completely risk-free. The most common side effects of DHA omega-3 supplements for children include diarrhea, gas and reflux. Rarely, a child may experience digestive side effects significant enough to warrant discontinuation of the product. Talk to your health care provider before giving your child and nutritional supplement, particularly if she has a medical condition.
Similar Products
Contrary to common misconception, "DHA" is not synonymous wth "omega-3 fatty acid." It is one of several compounds regarded as omega-3 fatty acids. Other omega-3 acids found in fish oil include EPA, which is essential for cardiovascular support and mood balance. Algae oil is a great vegetarian alternative to conventional fish oil omega-3 supplements. Other plant-based sources of omega-3 fats, such as flaxseed oil, contain alpha-linoleic acid (ALA) but no DHA or EPA. Higher doses of ALA are needed to accomplish the same nutritional task as DHA.
Links and Resources
University of Maryland Medical Center: DHA
National Institutes of Health: Medline Plus- Fish Oil
Published by Juniper Russo - Featured Contributor in Health & Wellness
Juniper Russo is a freelance writer living in the Southern US. She writes for several online and print-based publications and passionately advocates an evidence-based approach to holistic health and activism... View profile
- Omega 3s, EPA DHA and ALA Omega 3's derived from plant sources are converted in our bodies to Omega 6's.
Should You Take Fish Oil Supplements for Omega-3?So who should be taking fish oil supplements? If you fall into one of these categories, you may just want to consider it.- Omega-3 Fatty Acid Sources Including Fish Oil SupplementsOmega-3 fatty acids are an important addition to a healthy diet. There are many nut, fish, meat, and also fruit and vegetable sources of Omega-3 fatty acids. You can also take fish oil supplements.
Top 5 Brands of DHA SupplementsTop five brands of DHA supplements to meet your Omega-3 fatty acid health needs. This article covers DHA vegetarian options, multivitamins, fish oil and prenatal and breastfeeding.- DHA Supplements During PregnancyThe benefits of taking DHA supplements pregnancy and while breastfeeding.
- Health Benefits of DHA
- High-DHA Foods for Toddlers
- Does Baby Get Enough DHA?
- The Benefits of DHA Omega-3 for Children and Pregnant Women
- The Best DHA Supplements
- Health Benefits of Omega-3
- Fish Oil Supplements and Rheumatoid Arthritis: What You Need to Know