Fish Oil Supplements
Since many of the foods that are high in omega-3 fatty acids, especially those derived from fish oil, are not exactly kid-friendly foods, and there are still only limited numbers of DHA fortified foods, you may need to give your child a fish oil supplement if you want to make sure they get enough of these omega-3 fatty acids. Although normal doses of fish oil are not thought to be harmful, giving kids fish oil supplements is a little controversial, as not all studies have shown that they have any benefit.
Fish oil supplements for kids include:
- ChildLife Cod Liver Oil, Strawberry Flavored
- Coromega Omega-3 Kids Squeeze Packets in orange and lemon lime flavors
- Irwin Naturals Omega-3 Citrus Chews
- GNC Kids DHA Soft Chews, Citrus Flavored
- Marvel Heroes Complete - a chewable multivitamin that includes DHA (plant source)
- Oceans Kids DHA
Gummy vitamins with fish oils are also available, including:
- Clifford Multi-Vitamin + Brain Health - a multivitamin that includes omega-3 fatty acids
- Coromega Omega3 Gummy Fruits for Kids
- Disney Gummies Multivitamin (various characters) - includes DHA
- Iron Kids Gummies Omega-3's
- L'il Critters Omega-3 Gummy Fish
- Marvel Heroes Gummies - a multivitamin that includes DHA
- Nordic Naturals Nordic Omega-3 Gummies
- yummi bears DHA
Keep in mind that amount of omega-3 fatty acids in these vitamins can vary greatly. Some multivitamins with DHA actually have very little DHA in them, often as little as 100mcg or 0.1mg per dose. Other fish oil supplements, like the Coromega Kids DHA Gummy Fruits, have 50mg of DHA plus 10mg of EPA per serving (2 gummies). Check the label to make sure you are getting the amount of DHA you are expecting.
What you Need to Know About Fish Oil
There is a lot to think about when considering fish oil and fish oil supplements. DHA, ALA, foods fortified with DHA derived from algae, and the risks of mercury in fish are just some of the things to make sure you understand.
Other things to know about fish oil include that:
- There are no % daily values for DHA, EPA, or ALA, even if you see them on some food labels or supplements.
- Omega-3 fatty acids are essential fatty acids, meaning that our bodies can not produce them on their own and need to get them from our diet, either from the foods we eat and drink, or from a supplement.
- An increase chance of bleeding and problems with clotting can be side effects of high doses of fish oil (more than 3000mg of DHA plus EPA each day for adults).
- Although the source of omega-3 fatty acids likely isn't that important, do make sure that your fish oil supplement or omega-3 supplement contains both DHA and EPA if you want the possible benefits of fish oil. Fish, algae, or fish oil are all good sources of these omega-3 fatty acids.
- The fishy taste of some fish oil supplements is often covered with sugar or artificial sweeteners.
- Do not give your kids fish oil supplements if they are allergic to fish or shellfish.
- There are some concerns that some fish oil supplements can be contaminated with polychlorinated biphenyls (PCBs) or mercury, which is especially concerning since the FDA does not actually have to approve supplements to make sure they are safe or effective. Buying supplements that state they are USP (United States Pharmacopeia) certified can help to make sure they meet quality, purity, and potency. Unfortunately, few supplement makers actually participate in the USP program.
Sources:
American Academy of Pediatrics. Clinical Report. Prevention of Rickets and Vitamin D Deficiency in Infants, Children, and Adolescents. Pediatrics 2008 122: 1142-1152.
American Academy of Pediatrics. Where We Stand: Vitamins. Updated June 2010. Accessed July 2010.
American Heart Association Scientific Statement. Fish Consumption, Fish Oil, Omega-3 Fatty Acids, and Cardiovascular Disease. Circulation. 2002;106:2747-2757.
Center for Science in the Public Interest. Omega-3 Madness: Fish Oil or Snake Oil October 1, 2007. Accessed August 2010.
Jenkins DJ. Are dietary recommendations for the use of fish oils sustainable?. CMAJ - 17-MAR-2009; 180(6): 633-7
Sethuraman, Usha MD. Vitamins. Pediatrics in Review. 2006;27:44-55.
