Diet gun

Omega-3 fatty acids provide significant health benefits for our body.

They are very important for the proper functioning of our eyes, as well as for parts of the brain related to memory, learning, concentration and logical sequence. In insufficient intake of these essential fatty acids for the body, there will be reduced function in these areas.

Omega-3 fats are mainly found in fatty fish (salmon, sardines, mackerel, trout, sea bream, etc.), seafood, olive oil, walnuts, flaxseed, linseed oil.

Children with Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD) are likely to have low levels of omega-3  fatty acids with symptoms of dry skin, dry hair and thirst. The severity of the symptoms of these children with the disorder decreases when the levels of omega-3 fats in their body increase.

Omega-3 and breastfeeding
Breast milk has high concentrations of omega-3 fats from the birth of the child and during breastfeeding.

However, formula feeding for infants falls short in both quality and concentration of omega-3 fats, even in milks with omega-3 fats added to their composition.

Children who are exclusively fed with formula from birth have an increased likelihood of a reduced intelligence index by 3 to 6 units, compared to babies who were exclusively breastfed for 6 months.

The diet of the breastfeeding mother must contain enough omega-3 fats because it significantly affects the levels of omega-3 fats in her milk.

Omega-3 after 6 months
After six months, with the introduction of solid foods, the infant should get used to consuming foods that have high concentrations of omega-3 fats, such as olive oil in vegetables and beef.

Fish, which contain the highest concentrations of omega-3 fats, should be introduced into the young child’s diet without much delay for fear of possible allergies.

During preschool and school age, fish or seafood intake should be 2 times a week.

Large fish that have in their body significant amounts of metals such as mercury should be completely avoided, both for mothers during breastfeeding and for children from the moment they start eating solid food (swordfish, large tuna, etc.).

Omega-3 supplements
The intake of omega-3 supplements in children with reading difficulties has been shown to help them and have shown significant improvement in this area of ​​learning. However, the improvement is not consistent and varies depending on the origin of the omega-3 fats in the formulation and depending on the concentration of each formulation.

The possible side effects of taking omega-3 preparations are a bad taste in the mouth and stomach upset, although supplements are generally considered safe.

Children with a known hypersensitivity or allergy to fish ingredients should NOT take omega-3 supplements.

If omega-3 supplements must be given to children, we try and offer a variety of food sources with omega-3 fats before consulting a pediatrician for advice on this.

Serve fish in kid-friendly ways, such as baking salmon in teriyaki sauce or using canned salmon to make salmon sandwiches.

Fish portions are smaller for children and depend on their age.

If children do not like fish, we can use flaxseed oil, e.g. 1 teaspoon in a smoothie or mix it with peanut butter for toast and sandwiches. We can also add ground flaxseed to soup.

The Recommended Adequate Intakes (RAI) of omega-3 for children are as follows:

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

Recommended Adequate Intakes (RAI) are NOT Recommended Dietary Allowance (RDA)

There are NO Recommended Dietary Allowance (RDA) of omega-3 fatty acids in children.