Omega 3 & Omega 6 Fatty Acids Daily Intake in Children

Omega 3 and Omega 6 fatty acids are considered essential for proper health and nutrition in adults. Children can benefit from these essential acids as well, but parents should be careful as to how much O-3 and O-6 come from fish products.

Dosage

• According to the University of Maryland Medical Center, no current data suggests how much Omega 3 and 6 fatty acids a child should consume each day.

Benefits

• Omega 3 fatty acids contained in fish oil help normalize brain functions, and reduce the symptoms of Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD). However, the studies that show this are not verified and still, no effective dosage exists.

Fun Fact

• According to the National Institute of Health, baby formula sometimes contain fish oil, but no standard exists for Omega 3 and 6 fatty acids in it.

Warning

• According to the University of Maryland Medical Center, young children should consume no more than 2 ounces of fresh water fish (a common source of Omega-3 and Omega-6), and 12 ounces of store bought fish per week. However, young children should avoid eating any fish with higher levels of mercury, such as mackerel, shark, swordfish, or tilefish.

Tips

• Children may take fish oil supplements for Omega fatty acids, but only if prescribed by a doctor, according to the National Institute of Health.