Fish oil for children

Many children cannot (yet) swallow capsules, especially at a younger age. However, it's important that they get enough omega-3 fatty acids, as these are essential for brain development.

And that is exactly why there is liquid fish oil, ideal for children.

A good fish oil for children masks the fishy smell with natural flavorings so that your child gets enough omega-3 without a struggle.

Is fish oil healthy for children?

Yes, absolutely. Fish oil contains important fatty acids like EPA and DHA. DHA, in particular, helps with brain growth and function in children, especially at a young age.

Ideally, you want your child to get omega-3s through food, but that's often not possible. After all, not all children like fish. Fish oil supplements for children are liquid and offer a good and practical alternative.

In addition, some parents (or their children) choose not to eat fish based on their beliefs. In that case, an omega-3 supplement with algae oil is an effective solution.

The benefits of fish oil for children

Omega-3 fatty acids in fish oil are important for both adults and children. These are the benefits:

• Is good for eyesight (min. 250 mg per day)
•  Is an important building block of the brain (min. 250 mg per day)
• Does it contribute to the maintenance of normal blood fat levels (min. 2 g per day)?
• Supports the normal development of the eyes (min. 100 mg per day) and brain (min. 200 mg per day) in the foetus and in breastfed babies (if the mother takes DHA).
• Supports the maintenance of normal blood pressure (min. 3 grams per day)*
• Is good for the heart (min. 250 mg per day)

Good to know: When you use supplements, this should not exceed 5 grams together with your diet.

New studies on omega-3 for children

In addition to the benefits mentioned above, a lot of research is also being done into other effects of omega-3 fatty acids in children.

Although there are promising findings, definitive conclusions cannot yet be drawn because the studies are not yet sufficient or the results vary.

I can tell you that interesting studies have recently been published on the possible effects of omega-3 (supplements) on, among other things:

• The ability to concentrate in children. (1)
• The value of triglycerides* in the blood in children and adolescents. (2)
•  Insulin sensitivity in children. (3)
• Mental well-being in children and adults. (4)
• Visual attention, working memory and communication. (5)

(*) Triglycerides are fats in your blood that are formed from excess calories and stored as energy reserves. Too high a level can contribute to fat buildup in blood vessels, which is bad for your heart.

The best omega 3 fish oil for children

So there are plenty of reasons to give your child extra omega 3 fish oil!

Wondering how to choose the best fish oil for your child? Here's what to look for:

1. Choose liquid fish oil with a natural flavor – You can give this directly to your child with a spoon or mix it into a drink. This increases the likelihood that your child will be able (and willing) to take the supplement.
2. Consider the origin of the fish - Sustainably caught fish is not only better for the environment and reduces the impact on fish populations. Moreover, fish from sustainable catches often comes from cleaner waters and contains fewer harmful substances such as heavy metals or microplastics.
3. Choose pure fish oil made from first-pressed fish - This means the oil is extracted directly from the fish, without any additional processing or chemical processes. This keeps the fatty acids as natural and pure as possible, and they retain their full nutritional value. Moreover, first-pressed fish oil often tastes and smells better.

Sources used

1. Bloch, M. H., & Qawasmi, A. (2011). Omega-3 Fatty Acid Supplementation for the Treatment of Children With Attention-Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder Symptomatology: Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis. Journal Of The American Academy Of Child & Adolescent Psychiatry , 50 (10), 991–1000. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jaac.2011.06.008
2. Khorshidi, M., Hazaveh, Z. S., Alimohammadi-Kamalabadi, M., Jamshidi, S., Moghaddam, OM, Olang, B., Hatefi, S., Hosseini, A., Jamilian, P., Zarezadeh, M., Kohansal, P., Heshmati, J., Jamilian, P., & Sayyari, A. (2023). Effect of omega-3 supplementation on lipid profile in children and adolescents: a systematic review and meta-analysis of randomized clinical trials. Nutrition Journal , 22 (1). https://doi.org/10.1186/s12937-022-00826-5
3. Hou, M., Zhou, W., Sun, L., Wang, B., Shen, J., Cao, L., & Lv, H. (2020). Effect of Fish Oil on Insulin Sensitivity in Children: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis of Randomized, Controlled Trials. Canadian Journal Of Diabetes , 45 (6), 531-538.e1. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jcjd.2020.11.004
4. Raine, A., & Brodrick, L. (2024). Omega-3 supplementation reduces aggressive behavior: A meta-analytic review of randomized controlled trials. Aggression And Violent Behavior , 78 , 101956. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.avb.2024.101956
5. Sherzai, D., Moness, R., Sherzai, S., & Sherzai, A. (2022). A Systematic Review of Omega-3 Fatty Acid Consumption and Cognitive Outcomes in Neurodevelopment. American Journal Of Lifestyle Medicine , 17 (5), 649–685. https://doi.org/10.1177/15598276221116052