What are the effects of fish oils for children?
With all the attention given to omega 3 fatty acids and fish oils these days, you’re probably wondering what the story on using fish oil for kids is. Are these products safe and what about side effects? One thing for certain is omega 3 fatty acids help a child’s growing body produce hormone-like substances called eicosanoids. These substances can enhance cardiovascular health, help stabilize moods, sharpen mental focus, and reduce inflammation in the body. Fish oils are comprised of 2 omega 3 fatty acids: • Docosahexaenoic acid (DHA) • Eicosapentaenoic (EPA) DHA is the primary fatty acid found in our brain tissue. That being said, could a diet low in DHA lead to a deficiency in brain function? Researchers think this may be the case. In fact, studies show children with ADHD are more likely to show low levels of omega 3 in their blood. Results from research using fish oils on ADHD show they may reduce the severity of ADHD symptoms, such as inattention and aggressive behavior. What other