Essential Fatty Acids for Children

To assure that their children grow up to be strong, healthy and disease-free, many parents give their children multivitamins and other nutritional supplements. These are given to prevent deficiencies as well as to fill in any gaps that their children's diets may have. One nutrient that's gaining attention with health-oriented parents is essential fatty acids (EFA). These polyunsaturated fatty acids, which come in 3's, 6's, 7's, and 9's (preceded by "omega"), are becoming more and more recognized for their vital roles in the development and functioning of the human body, especially in children.

The bare necessities

• EFAs are essential to brain development.

  Not only are EFAs beneficial, they're absolutely essential. Essential fatty acids cannot be manufactured by the body and must be obtained through food sources and nutritional supplements. Of the essential fatty acids, omega-3 fatty acids are necessary for proper brain development in children, while others such as omega-6 fatty acids are essential to the inflammation process as well as other important bodily processes.

With benefits

• DHA supplementation may improve vision.

  According to a study published in the Journal of Nutrition in April 2007, supplementation with fish oil brought about improvement in immune function. According to another study published in the Journal of Pediatrics in 2000, supplementation with DHA (a specific omega-3 fatty acid) may improve vision. There are also studies that show essential fatty acids can improve mental functioning and decrease violent episodes.

Sources

• There are numerous sources of EFAs.

  There are numerous sources of EFAs. As for foods, a balanced spectrum of the nutrient (including omega-3 fatty acids) can be found in the fat of grass-fed or pastured meats, eggs and dairy products. As for supplements, the better-known ones include flax oil, fish oil, krill oil and cod liver oil. These are especially effective at suppling omega-3 fatty acids. According to the Weston A. Price Foundation, a nonprofit organization that spreads the traditional nutritional wisdom documented by a curious Cleveland dentist in the mid-1900s, it's best to consume minimally processed fish liver oils (such as cod liver oil) over other supplemental oils because they provide fat-soluble vitamins in addition to the essential fatty acids, while other oils lack these vitamins and provide excessive polyunsaturated fatty acids, which can be harmful.

Effectiveness

• Saturated fat helps conserve EFAs in the body.

  A diet high in saturated fat allows the body to conserve essential fatty acids including EPA and DHA. This results in a lower dosage necessary to achieve optimal levels. On the other hand, altered partially hydrogenated fats made from vegetable oils in the diet will block the body's ability to utilize essential fatty acids.