Are our children getting enough quality omega-3 essential fatty acids (EFAs) from the foods that we serve them? This is an important question for parents to ask.
There are three nutritionally important omega-3 fatty acids: alpha-linolenic acid (ALA), eicosapentaenoic acid (EPA), and docosahexaenoic acid (DHA). Direct sources of EPA and DHA include salmon, tuna, halibut, sardines, eggs, and grass-fed beef. You can think of EPA and DHA as the building blocks of your child's body. They are fats that make up every cell membrane and are important for every aspect of your child's functioning, from hormone regulation to healthy vision. For example, DHA is necessary for proper brain and nerve development in infants and children.
ALA can be found in foods like walnuts, hemp seeds, flax seeds, and some dark green leafy vegetables. The body converts ALA into EPA and DHA. Many experts think that the conversion of ALA into EPA and DHA can be affected with less than desired results if the enzymes required for this conversion do not function optimally. It is suggested that a direct source of the omega-3s, EPA and DHA, be consumed to meet the daily need either through food or supplements or a combination of both.
Fish is one of the most abundant sources of EFAs, but children don't always eat enough fish on a regular basis. Even those who eat fish several times a week aren't getting enough EFAs because much of the fish consumed today is farm raised (i.e. fed a diet of grains instead of fish meal) and lack significant amounts of EPA and DHA. How Much is Enough?
Use the following ISSFAL recommendations to determine your child's daily need for EPA and DHA. This is suggested for children who are healthy and do not have any major health issues.
Infants 1 to 18 months
32 mg of EPA+DHA/lb of weight
Children 1.5 to 15 years
15 mg of EPA+DHA/lb of weight
Older Teens 15 to 20 years
500 mg EPA+DHA with a min of 220 mg of each
For example, for a 15-year-old boy to get 500 mg of EPA+DHA daily, he would need to consume 1/3 cup of sardines or 2 oz of salmon or 1/2 tsp of cod liver oil or 2 soft gels of a high quality omega-3 fish oil at an EPA+DHA ratio of 18:12 per day.
Nordic Naturals Children's DHA is a small, chewable cod liver oil supplement flavored with strawberry essence. Children's DHA is a delicious way for children to supplement their diet with the essential brain nutrient, DHA.
Molecularly distilled for purity, Children's DHA has the highest omega-3 level of any cod liver oil. Enhanced with strawberry essence for a great taste kids love.
