Omega 3s Fatty Acids are a crucial part of a healthy diet. These essential fats are especially important for children and can play a key role in the growth and development of their brains and body and are also linked to numerous health benefits.
Some Might Ask, What Are Omega 3s?
Omega 3s are fatty acids that are integral to many aspects of health, including foetal development, brain function, heart health and immunity. They’re considered essential fatty acids because the human body cannot produce them on its own and needs to obtain them from food sources.
The holy trinity of the omega 3s fatty acids are alpha-linolenic acid (ALA), eicosapentaenoic acid (EPA), and docosahexaenoic acid (DHA). ALA sources can be found in a variety of plant foods, including vegetable oils, nuts, seeds and some types of vegetables. EPA and DHA occur naturally in fatty fish, such as salmon, mackerel and tuna and are commonly found in a wide range of supplements. Natural sources of the Omega 3 complex do exist in forms of fish oil, krill oil and algae oil.
Omega 3s Benefits for Kids
Many studies suggest that Omega 3 supplements offer several benefits for children, including:
- It may improve symptoms of ADHD, such as hyperactivity, impulsiveness, and difficulty focusing.
- Can help ease Asthma symptoms such as chest pain, breathing difficulties, coughing and wheezing.
- It can promote better sleep in children.
- Enhances brain health.
Children’s Brain Health and Omega 3s
Emerging research indicates that Omega 3 fatty acids may improve brain function and mood in children, in particular with learning, memory and brain development.
In a 6 month study, 183 children who ate a spread high in omega 3 fatty acids experienced improved verbal learning ability and memory (Dalton et al, 2009). Similarly, a small, 8 week study in 33 boys linked 400–1,200 mg of DHA daily to increased activation of the prefrontal cortex, the region of the brain responsible for attention, impulse control, and planning. Furthermore, several studies suggest that Omega-3 fats help prevent depression and mood disorders in children (Osher et al, 2009)
Fishy Oils and Fussy Kids
As parents to fussy children, we know the everyday difficulty to have your child eat certain types of foods; And it’ll be no surprise that a fishy tasting Omega 3 supplement may not be an enjoyable experience.
This is why Metagenics have formulated an easy to digest oral liquid formula, which is high in DHA, phosphatidylserine and vitamin D3 for brain development and cognition. With a refreshing, peppermint flavour, the Metagenics Omega Brain Plus for Kids Oral Liquid can be taken once daily and your kids won’t complain about a fishy aftertaste. Instead, they’ll stay feeling minty fresh whilst you help keep their brains functioning fast and healthily.
This product is also free from nuts and seeds, lactose free, gluten free, dairy protein free and free from corn.
For more information on the kid’s and adult version of the Metagenics Omega Brain Plus or if you’d like to make an order, please call us on (02) 9588 7000 or book online.
References:
Dalton A, Wolmarans P, Witthuhn RC, van Stujivenberg ME, Swanevelder SA, Smuts CM (2009) “A randomised control trial in schoolchildren showed improvement in cognitive function after consuming a bread spread, containing fish flour from a marine source.” Article: https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/19201180 Feb-Mar;80(2-3):143-9. doi: 10.1016/j.plefa.2008.12.006. Epub 2009 Feb 6.
Osher Y and Belmaker, BH (2009) “Omega-3 fatty acids in depression: a review of three studies.” Ministry of Health Beer Sheva Mental Health Center, Faculty of Health Sciences, Ben Gurion University of the Negev, Beer Sheva, Israel. Article: https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/19499625
