Fish oils are often confused with omega-3 fatty acids because these oils encompass high concentrations of fatty acids or long-chain polyunsaturated fats. Also, fish oils are extracted from various sorts of cold-water fish. Some of these kinds include salmon, sardine, trout, and herring.
During the preparation of fish meal, the separation of water and oil occurs via a machine called a centrifuge. This leads to further purification before storage.
Although you might have heard a multitude of times concerning the benefits or dosage of fish oil for adults, the actual question for today is:
“Is fish oil safe for babies?”
The answer is yes, with many aspects encapsulating this fact. We have a guide below for you to comprehend the health benefits and side effects of fish oil for babies or children.
However, before proceeding, you must consult your baby’s doctor prior to adding fish oil to the diet.
Table of Contents
Fish Oil Nutritional Value: 1 Tablespoon
- Calories: 123
- Protein: 0 grams
- Fat: 13.6 grams
- DHA: 0.573 grams
- EPA: 0.853 grams
- Carbohydrate: 0 grams
- Fiber: 0 grams
- Sugar: 0 grams
Health Benefits of Fish Oil for Babies
Brain Development
DHA and EPA are primarily responsible for brain development in little ones. These omega-3 fatty acids help in improving cognitive abilities. The lack of DHA, in particular, can result in a disturbance in a kid’s learning skills. Therefore, adding fish oil-rich nutrients to children’s diets is highly necessary.
Also, the lower serum levels of omega-3 fatty acids cause ADHD, which is attention deficit hyperactivity disorder. The latter affects the kids’ behavior and emerges with symptoms like emotional dysregulation, inattention, impulsivity, and hyperactivity. Besides, this leads to poor performance in school, which is not something parents can ever dream of.
Bone Health Maintenance
Fish oil is known for its beneficial impact on bone health, especially reducing stiffness and joint pain. This is because of the presence of vitamin D. In terms of bone metabolism, the lipid mediators from DHA and EPA also play a vital role. This assists in an increase in bone mineral density and reduces the risks of hip fractures.
As the kid grows older, he or she will also relish the reduction in markers of bone breakdown. It further accompanies the prevention of bone disease. Furthermore, vitamin D in fish oil strengthens teeth and muscles.
Good for Eyes
For the optimal development of a kid’s vision, the omega-3 fatty acids in fish oils play a crucial role. From future perspectives, the DHA can battle the chronic inflammation of eyelids and can even safeguard the health of your child’s vision.
Moreover, in both kids and adults, fish oil aids in moisturizing the eyes and positively impacts their functionality, which includes the production of tears. Fish oil has the knack of preventing the development of glaucoma and macular degeneration. During our research, we came across another term: visual acuity improvement, which is counted as the fish oil benefits for kids.
Heart Health
Fish oil is effective for boosting the health of blood vessels. The omega 3 in this oil can reduce blood pressure and is responsible for slowing down plaque buildup. A kind of fat known as triglycerides builds up in the blood vessels, and the consumption of fish oil can assist in delaying its occurrence.
Kids can savor the benefits of fish oil in the long run, such as protection against stroke and progress in heart health when he or she is already suffering from heart disease.
Promoting Immunity
Yes, fish oil boosts the immune system with the display of anti-inflammatory effects. The omega-3 fatty acids in this oil remodel lipid rafts in immune cells, resulting in their strengthening.
Side Effects of Fish Oil for Babies
- The most probable side effect of fish oils that your beloved kids might face is overall discomfort. It can cause bad breath alongside foul-smelling sweat. Moreover, unpleasant taste and headache can also occur. Some babies might suffer health issues like diarrhea and nausea.
- Fish oil supplements also come with impurities. This is a big no-no for your lovely little beings and might prove unsuitable for their health. Your kid’s pediatrician should examine the ingredients in these supplements first.
- Some babies are allergic to seafood, and if this is the case with your kid, you should avoid giving them fish oil or at least consult a doctor beforehand. Otherwise, your baby will encounter fish allergy symptoms, such as indigestion, headache, runny nose, or stomach cramps.
When Can Babies Start Taking Fish Oil?
You can commence giving fish oil supplements after one year as they are already getting adequate omega 3 from their mother’s milk or formula milk.
What Are the Best Fish Oils for Babies?
- Nordic Naturals Children’s DHA
- BARLEAN’S Omega Pals Chirpin’ Slurpin’ Lemonade Fish Oil
- Carlson Kid’s Norwegian The Very Finest Fish Oil Omega 3s
What Is the Use of Fish Oil for Babies?
It is a primary source of omega-3 fatty acids for kids and helps in intelligence, behaviors, autism, and heart health.
What Is Fish Oil or Omega 3 Dosage for ADHD Children?
For kids ranging from 4 to 6 years old can start with 500 mg of omega 3s daily supplement. Children who are seven years old or above can consume 1000 mg of this regular supplement.
Is Fish Oil for Toddlers’ Speech Delay?
The lower EFA has an association with speech delay and even with asthma and poor concentration. As fish oil comprises omega-3 fatty acids, it might reduce speech delay issues in kids. However, consult your kid’s specialist for this matter.
Is Omega 3 Good for Children’s Brain Development?
Yes, omega 3 improves brain function and mood.
Conclusion
Fish oil is effective for babies or older kids in many ways, particularly because of the presence of omega-3 fatty acids. It aids in brain development, eye health improvement, heart care, and immunity boosting. Furthermore, kids might encounter some side effects of fish oil, like bad breath, a bad taste in the mouth, and diarrhea.
As per our extensive research, Nordic Naturals Children’s DHA is recognized as the best fish oil supplement for kids.
