Does Your Kid Really Need Fish Oil?

Cold water fish, for example salmon, has a lot of fish oil which is very beneficial for our health and that’s why fish is a necessary ingredient of a heart-healthy diet. Fish oil for children can be more useful in the form of fish oil supplements. They also contain two beneficial components of fish oil:  docosahexaenoic acid DHA and eicosapentaenoic acid EPA.

The benefits of fish oil for children

In most cases fish oil is used to conditions not spread among children. For example, the most well-known benefit of fish oil is its ability to prevent a heart attack and lower high triglyceride level. However, the anti-inflammatory effect of fish oil is helpful for children. Fish oil may help those who suffer from asthma, angina and attention deficit hyperactivity disorder. Fish oil provides help for kids with dyspraxia. It helps with osteoporosis, various types of arthritis and cancer. However, you should always consult your child’s doctor before buying fish oil for kids.

SEE ALSO:  Flaxseed Oil vs Fish Oil

Medical indications

According to the Nationa Institutes of Health, the effect of fish oil for kids depends on the disease. Taking fish oil for asthma treatment may reduce coughs and better airflow. Fish oil for children with dyspraxia has been found to help, if taken with vitamin E, thyme oil and evening primrose oil. According to reports, fish oil helps children with ADHD improve thinking. However, they studied fish oil for children from 8 to 12 years old. And most studies of fish oil are carried out on adults. That’s why there is little evidence that fish oil for kids, especially for infants, is truly beneficial.   

Dosage

As far as a relatively small amount of studies have been carried out to find out the risks and  benefits of fish oil for children, pediatricians don’t have a standard approved dose of fish oil for kids. There are fish oil dosages for some diseases treatment and even they depend on many factors. Due to the undetermined standard dosages of fish oil for kids, only child’s doctor can advise the appropriate dose of fish oil for kids.

SEE ALSO: Fish Oil and Weight Loss

Possible side effects

Even if you give a recommended fish oil dose to your child  in accordance with his weight, age and condition, there may be side effects. Bloating, diarrhea, indigestion and heartburn are among the most common ones, according to the reports of the National Center for Complementary and Alternative Medicine. It’s better to take fish oil after meals or to freeze it to avoid these complaints. If side effects persist,  consult your doctor.