[highlight color=”pink” content=”%3Cp%3EChildren%20need%20minerals%2C%20vitamins%20and%20other%20nutrients%20to%20grow%20and%20become%20healthy.%20Vitamin%20D%2C%20calcium%20and%20iron%20are%20necessary%20for%20the%20body%20to%20achieve%20optimum%20health.%20On%20the%20same%20breath%2C%20omega%20-3%20fatty%20acids%20play%20essential%20roles%20in%20the%20health%20and%20well-being%20of%20kids.%20Some%20of%20the%20recommended%20dishes%20for%20kids%20include%20fish%20such%20as%20salmon%2C%20herring%20and%20trout%20because%20of%20their%20high%20quantities%20of%20omega-3.%20In%20case%20your%20kids%20are%20unable%20to%20eat%20such%20kind%20of%20fish%2C%20they%20may%20need%20to%20supplement%20their%20diet%20with%20fish%20oil.%3C%2Fp%3E” /]
Benefits of Fish Oil
In nutrition, there are trends that come and go. Iron used to be a big deal with parents trying hard to make their children eat spinach. Then vitamin C became a point of nutritional emphasis before fish oil took over. The popularity of fish oil stems from the fact that it is high in polyunsaturated fatty acids which lower triglyceride levels, which lowers the risk of heart-related diseases and high blood pressure.
Fish oil is associated with improving the symptoms of ADHD, arthritis, asthma, abnormal heart rate and some types of cancer. Another major benefit of fish oil is promoting brain development.
When looking for the best fish oil supplement, consider brands that are certified to be free of heavy metals. Fish oil supplements in liquid or capsule forms are usually the best. You may want to ensure that the main ingredient is fish and not filler oil. Be careful when it comes to chewable fish supplement since they may contain added sugar and lower doses of DHA and EPA.
Fish Oil Dosage
Kids should eat a variety of fish, preferably those rich in omega 3 fatty acids, at least twice a week. In addition, they should eat foods rich in ALA including walnuts, tofu and soybean oils. The recommended dose of fish oil for adults is at least 1000mg per day. Although there isn’t a strict fish oil dosage for kids, it is advisable to fish, seeds and nuts in your child’s diet. Eating foods rich in omega 3 fatty acids may lower risks of suffering from cardiovascular diseases later in life.
The recommended fish oil dosage for kids is two servings a week. This is for kids who are actually getting their omega 3 from eating fish. There is no specific milligram per day recommendation for DHA and ARA for kids. However, it is essential to consider fish and mercury warnings when serving fish to kids. It is advisable to avoid serving more than one can of tuna per week to your child. However, other fish that are lower in mercury including salmon, light tuna, catfish and Pollock may be eaten twice a week. Pregnant, nursing and expecting women should avoid eating shark, swordfish, tilefish and king mackerel because of their high levels of mercury.
What you need to Know about Fish Oil
It is essential to consider various factors when using fish oil and fish oil supplements. A considerable factor to consider is the risk of mercury in fish. Other things to consider include:
- There is no specific dose for DHA, EPA or ALA, even though you may see some food labels with recommended dosages.
- Omega 3 fatty acids are categorized as essential fatty acids, which means that they cannot be produced by the body and have to be obtained from the food you eat or from a supplement.
- High doses of fish oil may lead to clotting problems.
- Although the source of omega 3 fatty acids is not extremely important, it is advisable to ensure that your fish oil supplement contains both DHA and EPA.
- Some fish oil supplements contain artificial sweeteners to cover the fishy taste.
- Kids who are allergic to fish or shellfish should not be given fish oil supplements.
Some parents may be concerned about the fact that some fish oil supplements may be contaminated with mercury, which is a significant concern because supplements are not regulated by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration. Therefore, it takes some personal effort to ensure that supplements are safe and effective. One of the best ways of ensuring that the supplements you buy are effective is to make a point of buying supplements that are certified by the United States Pharmacopeia (USP).
Who Needs Fish Oils?
Fish oil has many health benefits to children. First, they boost mental health and help kids with conditions that cause learning difficulties including dyslexia and ADHD. All children require a healthy dose of nutrients everyday including vitamins and minerals for proper growth and development.
Omega 3 is one of the most essential nutrients required for growth. Although eating fish is one of the best ways to get omega 3, some parents fail to add this dish to the diet of their children, especially if the kids are fussy about what they eat. Fish oil supplements can be extremely useful in such cases.
What are Fish Oil Supplements?
Fish oil supplements contain EPA and DHA, which are some of the essential components in omega 3 fatty acids associated with a wide range of health benefits. Our bodies are incapable of producing these nutrients. Therefore, we must obtain them from our diet. Dietary sources of EPA and DHA include mackerel, rainbow trout and sardines. Walnuts, flaxseeds and tofu are also rich in omega 3s. Although these are some of the best ways of ensuring that your kids get the required amounts of fish oils that their bodies need, supplements can be beneficial alternatives for kids who do not get the recommended servings per week.
How to Choose Fish Oil Supplements for Kids
There is a wide range of fish oil supplements for kids. Many are available in chewable or liquid form to suit varying tastes and preferences of kids. It is essential to understand that supplements should not substitute a healthy diet, especially for kids. Therefore, consider choosing an option that offers enough to top up a child’s diet and not 100 percent or higher of the recommended daily value. This is especially true for parents who are not sure how much their children get from the food they eat.
Consider choosing supplements that offer adequate quantities of omega 3s per serving. 300mg is considered a great option because it is adequate to support a healthy diet. It is essential to understand that children with conditions that cause learning difficulties such as ADHD will require higher doses to see positive results. However, the dose should be prescribed by an expert such as a pediatrician.
How to Get Your Kids the Omega-3s They Need
Salmon steak and anchovy pizza may not be the favorite dishes of many kids. However, it is advisable to find various ways to get your child to eat these dishes. Fish is one of the best sources of protein and a great addition to a healthy diet. This food is loaded with essential fatty acids, which can be difficult to find in some of the foods that kids love to eat. The body does not make essential fatty acids. Therefore, they must be obtained from the diet.
Why is Essential Fatty Acids Important?
Essential fatty acids play various essential roles in health including promoting heart health, mood, mood, memory and inflammatory response. In addition, they play essential roles in the brain and eye function of children.
How Can I Obtain Essential Fatty Acids?
The most essential type of essential fatty acids is omega 3, which includes EPA and DHA. This nutrient can be found in salmon, mackerel, oysters, shrimp and sardines. Other types of essential fatty acids including linoleic acid (LA) and alpha-linolenic acid (ALA) are commonly found in plant foods including walnuts, soybeans, pumpkin seeds and spinach. LA and ALA are often converted into DHA and EPA, which are the more usable forms of essential fatty acids. However, conversion is often minimal, which means that bioavailable food sources such as fish are often the best sources of omega 3 fatty acids.
Food vs. Supplements
When deciding between supplements and food as sources of nutrients, it is always advisable to choose food. The body absorbs nutrients from food better than from supplements. In addition, food packs additional nutrients that you might not get from supplements. For example, fish contains essential omega 3 fatty acids and protein, which may not be available in supplements. However, supplements are great alternatives for children who are not getting enough fish and plant foods.
What Are The Recommended Amounts Of Fish Oil For Kids?
Children between the age of two and eight should eat two ounces of fish per week. On the other hand, children who are nine years of older should eat eight to ten ounces of fish per week. Although there is no specific fish oil dosage for kids, the following amounts are often suggested for fish oil supplements:
0-12 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
Tips for Choosing Fish Oil Supplements
When choosing fish oil supplements, consider brands that certify their products as free of heavy metals including lead, mercury and cadmium. Food companies that use molecular distillation often succeed in removing heavy metals from the supplements they manufacture. Check the expiration date of the supplement you intend to purchase to ensure that it is still safe for use. A quick test at home to ensure the safety and quality of fish oil is to break open a capsule; a strong, fishy or rotten smell should be a warning sign.
The best forms of fish oils are often in liquid or capsule forms. Ensure that the main ingredient of your supplement is actually fish oil and not some filler oil. Be careful when using chewable forms of fish oil supplements because they may contain lower quantities of EPA and DHA and high quantities of sugar.
In general, eating fish or supplementing with foil oil has many positive effects on the body. When determining the best omega 3 fatty acid supplement for you and your child, consider consulting a registered nutritionist or pediatrician before making any significant changes to your diet.
Best Fish Oil For Kids
[product_tables id=”1668″]
[numbered-heading label=”MegaRed Fish Oil” /]
[highlight color=”pink” content=”%3Cp%3EThe%20yummy%20berry%20lime%20flavor%20will%20make%20it%20easy%20for%20your%20child%20to%20take.%20It%20is%20sugar-free%20and%20made%20of%20all-natural%20ingredients%2C%20which%20is%20something%20parents%20will%20like.%3C%2Fp%3E” /]
[pros-and-cons pros=”-Sugar-free
-Tasty
-Natural
-No toxins and contaminants” cons=”-Quite pricey” /]
[call2action label=”See Product Details on Amazon” link=”https://amzn.to/34KEs3o” color=”yellow” rel=”no-follow” target=”blank” /]
[numbered-heading label=”Barlean’s Organic Oils Kid’s Omega Swirl Fish Oil” /]
It has 513mg of fish oil per serving which may be a bit too much considering it is close to the amount you will find in an adults supplement.
[highlight color=”pink” content=”%3Cp%3EThis%20would%20be%20a%20great%20choice%20for%20older%20kids%20and%20teenagers%20as%20opposed%20to%20toddlers.%20Fussy%20teens%20that%20dislike%20pills%20will%20benefit%20from%20this%20supplement.%3C%2Fp%3E” /]
[pros-and-cons pros=”-Liquid supplement
-Lasts longer
-Great value for money
-Great for healthy brain development” cons=”-High dose of omega 3
-Taste is not so great” /]
[call2action label=”See Product Details on Amazon” link=”https://amzn.to/3b9paXk” color=”yellow” rel=”no-follow” target=”blank” /]
[numbered-heading label=”Carlson Fish Oil for Kids” /]
[highlight color=”pink” content=”%3Cp%3EThe%20products%20go%20through%20a%20rigorous%20testing%20process%20to%20ensure%20freshness%20and%20potency.%20The%20product%20also%20comes%20in%20a%20lemon-flavored%20option%2C%20which%20can%2C%20be%20mixed%20with%20kid%E2%80%99s%20food.%3C%2Fp%3E” /]
[pros-and-cons pros=”-Comes in soft gel and liquid form
-Can be mixed into food
-No aftertaste” cons=”-Low dosage” /]
[call2action label=”See Product Details on Amazon” link=”https://amzn.to/3hDBuBv” color=”yellow” rel=”no-follow” target=”blank” /]
[numbered-heading label=”Coromega Kids Omega-3 squeeze orange” /]
[highlight color=”pink” content=”%3Cp%3EThe%20packets%20may%20be%20squeezed%20and%20taken%20directly%20or%20mixed%20with%20other%20snacks.%20You%20can%20even%20mix%20it%20with%20yogurt%20or%20ice%20cream.%20This%20supplement%20is%20easy%20to%20enjoy%20for%20most%20kids.%20It%20is%20perfect%20for%20those%20who%20do%20not%20like%20the%20fish%20taste%20while%20still%20using%20the%20best%20fish%20oil.%3C%2Fp%3E” /]
[pros-and-cons pros=”-Tasty
-High absorption rate
-Can be mixed with foods and drinks” cons=”-Limited to young kids” /]
[call2action label=”See Product Details on Amazon” link=”https://amzn.to/2QxJwQp” color=”yellow” rel=”no-follow” target=”blank” /]
[numbered-heading label=”L’il Critters Omega-3″ /]
[highlight color=”pink” content=”%3Cp%3EThe%20dosage%20is%20281%20milligrams%20per%20serving.%20A%20considerable%20drawback%20of%20the%20product%20is%20its%20high%20sugar%20content.%20However%2C%20the%20sugar%20content%20is%20not%20excessive%2C%20unless%20your%20child%20has%20blood%20sugar%20problems%20or%20diabetes.%3C%2Fp%3E” /]
[pros-and-cons pros=”-Great value for money
-Gummy chewable form
-Various flavors
-Great taste
-Two months’ supply
-Adequate dosage of omega -3″ cons=”-High sugar content” /]
[call2action label=”See Product Details on Amazon” link=”https://amzn.to/31CsWFt” color=”yellow” rel=”no-follow” target=”blank” /]
[numbered-heading label=”Feel Great 365 Fish Oil” /]
[highlight color=”pink” content=”%3Cp%3EIt%20is%20a%20good%20source%20of%20vitamin%20D%20and%20should%20be%20taken%20with%20food.%20It%20is%20dairy%20and%20gluten%20free%20but%20has%20soybeans%20and%20fish.%20Children%20will%20enjoy%20the%20gummies%20thanks%20to%20their%20pleasant%20taste.%3C%2Fp%3E” /]
[pros-and-cons pros=”-Contains vitamin D
-Great for young kids and teens
-Dairy and gluten free” cons=”-Low fish oil dosage
-Should be taken with food” /]
[call2action label=”See Product Details on Amazon” link=”https://amzn.to/31Dr0w8″ color=”yellow” rel=”no-follow” target=”blank” /]
[numbered-heading label=”Smarty-pants Gummy Vitamins” /]
[highlight color=”pink” content=”%3Cp%3EThe%20recommended%20dosage%20is%20four%20gummies%20daily%20and%20the%20bottle%20only%20stocks%20a%20one-month%20supply.%20It%20is%20a%20great%20fish%20oil%20supplement%20for%20short-term%20use.%3C%2Fp%3E” /]
[pros-and-cons pros=”-Easy to chew
-Great taste
-Good dose of omega-3
-Contains multivitamins” cons=”-A bit pricey” /]
[call2action label=”See Product Details on Amazon” link=”https://amzn.to/2YJOWfF” color=”yellow” rel=”no-follow” target=”blank” /]
[numbered-heading label=”Nordic Naturals” /]
[highlight color=”pink” content=”%3Cp%3EThe%20dosage%20is%20283%20milligrams%20for%20every%20serving%20and%20for%20a%20three-month%20supply%2C%20it’s%20a%20great%20offer.%20Despite%20being%20labeled%20chewable%2C%20they%20may%20be%20difficult%20for%20kids%20actually%20to%20chew.%3C%2Fp%3E” /]
[pros-and-cons pros=”-Three month supply
-Helps the brain growth and immune system
-Reasonable omega-3 content
-Great value for money” cons=”-Difficult to chew” /]
[call2action label=”See Product Details on Amazon” link=”https://amzn.to/3jnAmSP” color=”yellow” rel=”no-follow” target=”blank” /]
[numbered-heading label=”Bioglan Kid’s Smart Omega 3 Fish Oil” /]
[highlight color=”pink” content=”%3Cp%3EThose%20who%20have%20previously%20used%20the%20product%20can%20attest%20that%20they%20began%20to%20notice%20positive%20changes%20in%20their%20kids%20after%20a%20short%20while.%20However%2C%20the%20taste%20is%20not%20great%20which%20of%20course%20narrows%20down%20to%20preference%20because%20kids%20have%20different%20tastes.%3C%2Fp%3E” /]
[pros-and-cons pros=”-One month supply
-Easy to chew
-Great value for money
-Positive effects noted in a short period
-Rich in omega 3 fatty acids” cons=”-Not the best taste” /]
[call2action label=”See Product Details on Amazon” link=”https://amzn.to/34J1fwy” color=”yellow” rel=”no-follow” target=”blank” /]
[numbered-heading label=”Nature’s Way Kids Smart Fish oil” /]
[highlight color=”pink” content=”%3Cp%3EIn%20addition%2C%20it%20does%20not%20contain%20artificial%20colors%20or%20flavors.%20Another%20great%20advantage%20is%20the%20fact%20that%20it%20is%20gluten%2C%20dairy%20and%20yeast%20free.%3C%2Fp%3E” /]
[pros-and-cons pros=”-Dairy and gluten free
-Various flavors
-No artificial colors” cons=”-Costly
-Capsules may not easy to chew for younger kids” /]
[call2action label=”See Product Details on Amazon” link=”https://amzn.to/2xdTSuu” color=”yellow” rel=”no-follow” target=”blank” /]
Conclusion
All kids require vitamins, minerals and other nutrients for healthy growth and development. Like iron, calcium and vitamins, kids need omega 3 fatty acids including EPA and DHA, which abound in fish oils. It is recommended for kids to eat foods rich in fish oils including salmon, trout and herring. If your kids are not eating these foods, they could require another source of omega 3 fatty acids including fish oil supplements.
Our Choice
L’il critters is our choice for best fish oil supplement for kids. They can be used at a young age and are quite easy for kids to take. The supplement pill is quite small making it easy for kids to take. Most important, this supplement packs all the omega 3 fatty acids that kids need for good health.