As a parent, you’ve likely heard about the benefits of omega-3 fatty acids for kids. In particular, docosahexaenoic acid (DHA) and its less-talked about partner, eicosapentaenoic acid (EPA).
You can find DHA in fortified food products, seafood, and offered up conveniently in fish oil. Parents often ask me if their child is getting enough. And if they aren’t, should they give them fish oil or some other supplement? And how much is too much?
With some expert help, we get to the bottom of your concerns.
Why DHA?
DHA is a structural component of the brain and eye (retina). The brain grows at an incredible rate during pregnancy and in the first few years of life. Starting in the second half of pregnancy, baby’s brain begins to rapidly accumulate DHA up to about 4 grams by the time a child is 4 years old. No other fatty acids accumulate in the brain like DHA does.
“Children require omega-3 fatty acids the same way they require vitamins,” says Evelyn Tribole, MS, RD, author of The Ultimate Omega-3 Diet. She says DHA is needed for brain development the same way calcium is required for bone growth.
Benefits of omega 3s span from reduced risk of premature birth and postpartum depression in mom to improved cognitive function in infants. One review found a protective effect against developing obesity, cardiovascular disease and type 2 diabetes throughout life. Omega-3 fatty acids DHA and EPA have an anti-inflammatory effect on the body which is why they help protect against chronic disease.
What about DHA and the brain? Will it make older children smarter? Not necessarily, but research suggests it could help children pay attention in class. In one review, more than half of the studies showed benefits in at least one area of cognition and behavior in children.
One reason study findings vary is they often measure intake of omega-3s (such as fish oil supplements) versus blood levels. A 2013 study in Plus One found lower blood levels of DHA were linked to poorer reading, working memory and behavior problems. More studies are needed to confirm a relationship.
Dietary Sources
The body is unable to make omega-3 fatty acids from other dietary fats making them “essential” in the diet. Although plant sources of omega-3 fatty acids (alpha-linolenic acid – ALA) found in walnuts, flax and other plant foods can be converted to DHA and EPA, it’s an inefficient process. In other words, one cannot rely on plant sources of omega-3s to get DHA and EPA.
Fortified products are convenient but limited, as they don’t contain EPA or even sufficient DHA in most cases. In one Australian study, researchers replaced four core foods (bread, milk, eggs and yogurt) in the diets of children with omega-3 fortified products. While it increased intakes, the kids still fell short of targets. Fatty fish or fish oil will get children there much more quickly. The chart below shows you the typical amount found in food. For a full list of DHA in seafood, go here.
How much is enough?
The 2010 Dietary Guidelines for Americans recommends two servings of seafood per week totalling 8 ounces (4oz serving) to provide an average of 250mg of omega-3s (Kids eat the same but smaller portions). The FDA recommends pregnant women eat 2-3 portions weekly adding up to 8-12 ounces of fish per week. The 2015 Dietary Guideline Report reveals very few Americans meet these fish recommendations as you can see below.
“Kids need to eat fish at least twice a week to get the recommended amount of DHA,” Tribole says. “Parents can try fish tacos, tuna fish sandwiches or salmon patties with their kids.”
Should children who don’t eat fish regularly supplement with DHA/EPA? Tribole thinks so. Surveys reveal that most children get less than half of what they need, based on international guidelines. Because the amount of DHA in breast milk is dependent on mom’s dietary intake, it’s important for breastfeeding women to aim for the recommended amount (see below).
The Institute of Medicine does not have a safe upper limit for omega-3 fatty acids. That being said, if giving more than what is recommended, consult a doctor. Doses of 3g or more could increase the risk of bleeding. Some healthcare professionals may prescribe high doses of fish oil for certain conditions.
Tribole put together a supplement chart on her website listing quality products categorized by cost. Supplements, especially for kids, include Coromega, Nordic Naturals and Carlsons for Kids fish oil. Vegetarians can take algae-based supplements. The key is to look at the amount of DHA and EPA on the label and match it with the recommended serving.
Fats that compete with Omega-3s
Due to changes in the food supply, Tribole explains, we eat 10-20 times the omega-6 fatty acids that our ancestors ate. “I like to compare omega-6 fatty acids to sodium in the diet,” she says. “Both are essential nutrients but too much can take a toll on health.”
Because omega-6 and omega-3 fatty acids compete for the same limited enzymes, too much omega-6 can crowd out omega-3s. And some experts believe too much omega-6 fatty acids in the body can increase one’s risk of inflammation, upping the risk of developing chronic diseases.
“To cut back I tell families to start with three items – margarine, salad dressing and spreads like mayonnaise,” she says. “These products are made with omega-6 vegetable oils such as soybean, cottonseed and corn oil.”
The chart below details the amount of omega-6 fats in different oils. To cut back on omega-6, choose salad dressing or mayonnaise made with olive oil or make your own. Many food products use soybean oil as the fat source so read labels.
Key Takeaways
There’s little doubt omega-3 fatty acids DHA and EPA are important for growing children. Listed below are the key takeaways.
- If pregnant or breastfeeding, aim for 2-3 portions of seafood per week or supplement with at least 200mg DHA daily. Choose infant formulas with DHA added.
- As children wean off breast milk or formula, aim to include fish twice weekly. For kids who don’t eat fish, consider or ask your pediatrician about supplementation.
- Aim to reduce your family’s intake of food items high in omega-6 fatty acids and look for ways to eat more plant and fish sources of omega-3 fatty acids.
Be sure to leave any questions you have in the comments.
For more about nutritional needs at every age and stage, check out Fearless Feeding: How to Raise Healthy Eaters From High Chair to High School
Maryann, thanks so much for posting this!
Great info!
great info…however, what are the requirements for kids under 2?
Stacy,
Good question. The first year of life babies will get DHA from either breastmilk or fortified-formula. Breastfeeding moms need to make sure they are getting enough omega-3s in their diet (Tribole recommends 300mg/day). At one year most children switch to whole milk and miss out on the DHA they were getting. Based on average calories for a 12-23 month year old, 325mg combined DHA/EPA and 110mg DHA would be a reasonable amount to aim for.
One of my kids is allergic to both fish and tree nuts, so we tend to cut those out of our household diet. Is there any hope for us? What about peanuts?
Stacie, will send you an email.
Great advice! I recently switched my 11 month old son from a DHA fortified formula to a toddler formula. We had also cut out fish. He started to have small temper tantrums which I think are because of Omega 3 deficit? We now give him salmon twice a week, about a palm-ful portion. How else should we supplement his diet? Thank you!
Could you please let me know what I should give my 4y/o, my 15m/o, & myself that is vegan (no fish or gelatin)? Thanks! I hate us missing out on EPA, but am at a loss as to what to do other than flax/chia.
As you know there are plenty of algae based sources of DHA but without the EPA. I found this online and it claims to be vegan with both DHA and EPA http://www.vegetarian-dha-epa.co.uk/
Let me know if you need more help!
There is now a algae based source of DHA w/ EPA
http://www.ovega.com/ovega3_vs_fish_oil?utm_source=google&utm_medium=cpc&utm_campaign=Vegetarian&gclid=CLfMyaCV7akCFZBS7AodsSsUZg
Could you please advice me If DHA 320mg and EPA 130 mg composition in a single softgel is suitable for 2 yrs boy and 6 yrs old girl in vegetarian source of Omega3 from algae?
My 14 month daughter don’t get breast milk from beginning , i want to give her Omega-3 (gelatin free).which one is good for her now.pls….
Munira — you just have to search around. I found this one but cannot vouch for the quality. http://www.devanutrition.com/vegan_dha_softgels.html
I would be very cautious on the dosage that is recommended. Many sources of EPA/DHA introduce risks of arsenic and mercury. No matter how good the processing is, there is still risk. It would be better to get your sources from walnuts and dairy.
All the studies done are in small scale that show the benefit of DHA/EPA. The brain development benefit is an exaggeration. We all want healthy, smart kids but giving them DHA/EPA in large dosages will not achieve it.
Thanks for you comment Mani. Can you send me the data that shows there’s risk from fish oils or low mercury souces of fish? Walnuts do not contain DHA and only fortifed dairy will but there is no EPA in that. Can you also tell me what data you are using to say that the brain development benefits are an exaggeration? The first two years are most important and is why all formulas contain DHA now. Again, this is a research-based site so I like to see research to support people’s claims. Read more from the WHO recommendations for children http://www.who.int/nutrition/topics/FFA_summary_rec_conclusion.pdf. Accordign to them there is convincing evidence that
DHA plays a “critical role in retinal and brain development” from 0-24 months and that is likelly to plan an important role throughout childhood.
Thanks!
I would like to ask about the average dose for child and adult OF DHA
DHA isolated from which algae.
I shall thank
some of the new vegetarian algae supplements have both EPA and DHA -for example the product here has 400mg DHA and 100mg EPA: http://www.nuique.com/omega3/
My daughter has severe allergies. We have recently been asked to place her on 5 grams of Omega 3 per day to help with inflammation in her body. I am wondering if this is a safe to do for a short period of time. Currently we are using Nordic Naturals Ultimate Omega, but I have only given her the normal adult dosage once per day which is 1280 mg.
Thanks.
I cannot say whether or not that is safe. I have never heard of giving high amounts omega 3s to treat food allergies. Who is recommending this? Check with your pediatrician or get second opinion.
Would you happen to know the original reference for the “international guidelines” of children 2-6 years old being recommended the below amounts of DHA/EPA? I have been researching this for a few hours and can’t find the original reference…
“…based on international guidelines she recommends children 2-3 years old get 433mg of DHA/EPA with a minimum of 145mg of DHA, 4-6 years old get 600mg of DHA/EPA with a minimum of 200mg of DHA…”
Thanks!
Hi,
I give my kids Horizon Organic milk with Omega 3s. I sometimes give them the chocolate too. They love it and don’t like to drink other milks now. Is this a good source of DHA? Is it worth the extra cost? I will do anything to help them develop healthy little brains! Thanks!
You’ll have to check the label but most milk with DHA has about 30mg per cup. So the key is to incorporate other sources such as fish and DHA-fortifed eggs. The milk alone without other sources isn’t enough to get them to recommended levels.
Google Horizon DHA Milk. A lot of controversy.
I have a 10 1/2 yr. old 74 pounds boy with attention and focus problems, it was suggested DHA fish oil 850 mg of total omega-3, is this too much? I usually do less than more.
Dear Sir/Madam.
I have a daughter 27 years age with epilepsy uncontrolled ceisures/ short jerks. Can I give her DHA or DHA/EPA? and how much dosage per day. Her weight is bout 40 Kg.
thanks a lot.
I would check with her doctor.
Hi Maryann,
My wife had Omega 3 supplements throughout her pregnancy (325 mg DHA) and unfortunately could only Breastfeed for 2 months (still taking supplements) then our daughter had DHA fortified formula until she was 1 then she went off milk. From 1 year to 20 months she had an excellent diet (and still does) which included COD and Salmon once a week (sometimes twice) plus organic eggs & milk (not fortified) then at 20 months until now (she is 4 in July) she has had a daily dose of fish oil which we buy from our GP which contains about 225mg DHA as she went off fish. Does this all sound okay to you? my concern was always perhaps not enough DHA between 1year -20 months?
Nick — sounds like she is doing great! Try not to worry about the past as there is nothing you can do but it sounds like she got enough DHA those first important two years.
It’s very effortless to find out any topic on net as compared to textbooks, as I found this paragraph at this site.
CANOLA IS GMO!!! That is the worst recommendation one could make about Om 6 and 3…better choices are Olive oil, sesame oil, chia seeds, flax oil and flax seeds…such a great post but terrible judgment on the Canola.
Valerie — this article was about fat type and not GMO. People can choose organic canola oil if they are worried about that. For more on canola benefits see this post http://blogs.webmd.com/food-and-nutrition/2012/07/the-skinny-on-canola-oil.html
I like reading through an article that will make people think.
Also, thank you for allowing for me to comment!
Hi,
I have recently started giving Nordic Naturals Children’s DHA to my 18 months old son containing 205mg of EHA and 300g of DHA in one dose (2.5ml of liquid) but I am confused about the age recommendations and wonder if this is too much. There is only one reccomended dose on the bottle 2.5ml and showing figures it provides for 4 year olds and other figures for under 4 year olds. It also says to ask doctor if giving to children under 8 months but I know he can take it now but I’m unsure if dosage is correct.
Also I was wondering if you recommend Nordic Naturals as the oil is derived from cod livers and I read that oil from livers can contain high level of vitamin A. Their website argues this and states that pure cod livers have healthy levels of vitamin A and the bottle of the oil I have says there is 213-750 I.U in one dose which is 9-30% of RDA. What is your opinion on this please? Would you say this is safe or would you recommend another brand?
My boy eats some fish but is a little picky at the moment. He is not the fastest developer so I am hoping this will help a bit with his progress.
Thank you very much!
Andrea,
I would contact the company. I’m sure they have a dietitian or some health professionals that can field these questions. I believe it is a reputable brand. I use Carlson’s fish oil for kids (lemon) and i like that I can spoon up as much as I like.
Hi,
I thought DHA was in breastmilk, so I didn’t take a supplement for it after my daughter was born. She’s almost a year old. Did my not taking DHA or eating fish regularly harm her development? What should I do from this point on? Thank you.
Lashonda, I’m sure you didn’t harm your child’s development. DHA is naturally in breast milk. If you get more DHA in your diet it will increase. Do you eat fish?
My son has multiple food allergies. 2 of which are sources of DHA/omega-3 – Walnuts, Flaxseed and Eggs. He can eat fish and we try to give it to him, when he actually wants to eat. He’s 20 months so pretty picky. I’ve picked up a DHA supplement with EPA. Would that be ok? Are there other foods that he can eat with DHA/omega-3?
You can buy some fortified foods but those don’t have much. I would stick with the supplement as it likely will give him all that he needs. Keep offering fish ; )
Madam I have 1 year and 3 months old boy I want to give him nordic kids dha.so please tell me the ideal dosage of dha and epa.
Hello,
I have been looking for Omega 3/DHA/EPA suppliments for my son who is 7yrs old. It has be for kids ones? Or I can buy adult bottle and both of us can share?
“Kirkland Signature Omega-3 Fish Oil Concentrate 1000 mg Fish Oil with 30% Omega-3s (300 mg)”
Is it too sromg for 7 yrs old or okay? I am so confused now. I don’t want him to give too much pills to take.
Sorry for such a silly questions.
Thank you.
Hi,
My OB did not prescribe me a prenatal with DHA :-(.
I have a 3.5 month old son, breastfeeding. I just started prenatal with DHA about 3 days ago.
Is there something I need to give to my baby as I did not take the DHA supplements during pregnancy?
Thanks,
Pooja
No,you are doing the right thing. Did you eat fish during pregnancy or other foods with DHA?
Hello.
I have a daughter n she is 8 months old.
She is on breast feeding.
Plz guide me whether what to give n when to start n in what quantity shall we give her for best development for her brain.
Thanks.
I too have a question on safety of omegas derived from cod liver oil. I know it is relatively low in mercury, but if we give a daily dose, is it still considered a safe amount?
Hai madam, I used enfalac for my son since new born baby step by step. Nw his guin to b 18mnt .wat milk powder can I giv him.
Hi,
I did not know about Fish oil and DHA and my Dr. did not tell about it, my girl is 3 years 9 months and is slow at learning. Just got the Carlson fish oil. It says 2.5 ml for kids of 4+, is it safe?
She seems to be slow in learning, should i be worried? or do something else?
Thanks
Hi,
I found this thread as I was searching for a non fish/non nut or seed source of DHA for myself as part of a nutritional program I want to try to improve my overall health.
I just wanted to reassure all the parents out there who seem anxious about their children who have allergies.
I am 47 and by the time I was 4 years old my parents were told I was allergic to everything apart from cereals and horses. Seriously. Back then, my emergency treatment for my asthma attacks was a small pink tablet that dissolved slowly in water, while one parent rubbed my back, talked me calm and helped me control my breathing.
I am anaphylactically allergic to nuts, fish, seeds (and fruit containing seeds) and highly allergic to multiple other substances. It is the proteins I am allergic to – so nowadays I can cope with traces of oils – apart from peanut or any kind of fish oils. Cows milk gives me eczema. I carry an epipen.
But growing up I couldn’t – so didn’t eat any dairy products, no fish, no nuts or seeds, no tomatoes, only fruits with stones like plums – and only peeled peaches as the skins made me itch.
I have an IQ of 138, and despite being off school due to ill health for 2-3 days out of every 5, I still have a university level education and received no additional tutoring at home. I have a good memory. Altho, less so as the years catch up on me 🙂
So, please……try not to stress out too much. The human body is an amazing thing. And modern science is so much more advanced than it was back when I was little. As long as you give your child as varied a diet as possible – keep away from processed, refined and GMO foods as much as you can, read to them, give them access to real play….not just structured play, but time to use their imagination and to just ‘be kids’ getting dirty and having fun, and quiet time to play – they will be fine.
Dear wendy,
I m very impressed and agree with your review, but as a father I m also searching the best possibilities for my infant. Situation and environment make a person more effective not the medicines. In our india max people are not getting their proper food. But still the intelligence level is pretty good over here.
My child was 13 months, the doctor diagnosed her eyes with high myopia, the doctor opened the nemans DHA al gal oil softgel this medicine, is to help her eyes and brain, do you have what good DHA al gal oil softgel, thank you
Hi. Good info, but I have the same challenge as Stacie…I have one child with a severe fish allergy and one with a severe nut allergy, so we avoid those products. What can we substitute to get the necessary omega3 combo?
Dana,
Hi, I replied on the thread. I’m not a dr, but I wanted to let the parents of children with severe allergies know that it is possible to have a severely restricted diet as a child and still turn out ok as an adult.
I am able to tolerate flax seed oil, despite being severely allergic to nuts and seeds because it’s the protein I react to, not the fats. Altho plain old fear stops me trying fish oils as fish = sudden death to me. But it might be worth having a word with your allergy dr about flax seed oil.
Hi Maryann. Great article! We are currently using a purified, super-concentrated omega 3 fish oil. It is certified free of PCBs, pesticides, mercury, heavy metal and dioxide. A 5ml serving – which is the daily recommended intake as per the instructions – has 1900 mg of omega 3 fatty acids in total; 900 mg EPA, 600 mg DHA, and 400 mg of ‘other’ omega 3 fatty acids. I used it while I was pregnant with our first and second child. Our first child just turned one. Is it ok if we give him the 5ml serving daily, or will that be too much for him? Can he overdose? We have not fully introduced fish into his diet and the oil is very convenient to give. However, we are a bit reluctant because of the high omega 3 content in this oil (1900 mg). We would really appreciate your advice and feedback! If you wish, you can check out the company’s website at http://www.therealthing.co.za.
I am also breastfeeding the second child, and I continue taking the oil, although not every day. Is that ok or is it too much for the newborn?
Thank you very much
hi, my niece is only 4 weeks:) and am not sure whether she chould take DHA mix up with milk or not?
There should be enough DHA in her formula or breast milk. Breastfeeding moms should get at least 200mg DHA either from diet or supplements as mom’s intake is is related to how much is in breast milk.
I Ve got 22 months old boy. Who was born in London . My main concern is during pregnancy baby mother ate wild salmon twice a week(130).after he brought up in london til 23 months. I tried to provide required quantity omega-3 source from fish and others. BUT NOW -he is been kept in India for 6 months. My concern is in india no such type of fish nor other source of omega-3. OR may be I don’t know much. Could u plz advice Wht shall I do to provide enough omega-3 or DHA to his diet.
Thank you
Pranab
My son are 7 1/2 doses of Nordic dha for children (30 pills). I have called poison control and they said watch for easy bruising and bleeding gums. I cannot find any measurements for limit of safe range of omega 3, dha, and epa dosage for children only adults. I have given him a small amount of activated charcoal to help with absorption. He is 3 1/2 and 37 lbs. do you have any information that would be helpful in this situation (other than me making sure this never happens again)? Thank you for your time.
There is no tolerable intake set but this article discusses safety levels of about 5g combined DHA and EPA http://www.efsa.europa.eu/en/efsajournal/pub/2815.htm
Thank you
Hi! Loved your article. My 5 year old is allergic to peanuts, Tree nuts, fish and seafood. The only thing on his diet with omegas I can think of is avocados, but there’s this time in the year were you can’t get any good one. What do you recommend to complete his diet? Flax oil? What dosage do you recommend for kids?
Just an FYI, EPA is now available from algae, as well as DHA. It came to market in mid-2012. So vegetarians and those opposed to “fish burps” have a plant source available. (As well as those concerned about how we treat our oceans as toxic waste dumps. The algae is grown indoors in a controlled environment.)
Hello, I know the importance of kids getting their Omega 3’s + DHA, However, my 10 year old child is allergic to fish and nuts. He is also I picky eater. What can I give him? I feel the lack of omega 3’s, are affecting his brain function, such as his concentration, as well as skin. Help!
Wow! We use a lot of soybean butter to replace the peanut butter my kids can’t have at school. This gives me pause. Thank you!
We use sunflower seed butter, which also is high in omega-6’s. 🙁
My daughter (22 months) rarely eats the fish I serve, but she likes her Green Pastures cinnamon tingle fermented cod liver oil, which I offer her daily to be sure she gets vitamins A&D and omega-3’s. I let her take as much as she likes – some days it is none, and some days as much as a teaspoon (on rare occasions, even more). The recommended dose for her age is 1/2 teaspoon, which I think she roughly averages. Do I need to worry about her getting double that dose some days and none on others, or is it ok to look at the average over a week or so?
No Amy, that’s how it works when eating food. On days you eat oily fish you get more than you need but it evens out over the week. Make sense?
My son has been taking Nordicas DHA for several years, but has received two bad batches and been POISONED TWICE by the product. Two pills almost landed him in hospital! Not a reliable source at all. Be careful!
Nordic naturals? How did you notice it was that that poisoned him? I giv my daughter this that’s why I’m asking. How scary
How do I ensure my child’s DHA intake is enough? He is under one year old and born with Alpha Thalassemia. We give him fortified formula with about 67mg of DHA. We could not find any supplement in this part of the world with a blend of both iron and DHA -most supplements for infants have either of of the two! Kindly advise if she is getting enough or how she can get enough DHA.
Hello. Thankyou for your information. Can you please tell me what brand supplement label you used as the example. I am concerned to see Ammonium Hydroxide as one of the ingredients. The potential effects of this as listed by The Chemical Maze are; “May cause irritation around the eyes, mouth or lips; corrosive when concentrated; very toxic to aquatic organisms.” Why would you consider giving this to a child and why would you mix it with anything from aquatic origins?
Is there any way by which I can check my nephew’s DHA level? He is 4 years old.
Hi,
I have a son and he is just 20 days old.He is on breast feeding.
Please advice for what to do for Brain Development of my son.
Just be sure you are getting enough DHA. If you eat fatty fish 2 more times a week you are good. If you are not, take at least 200mg
Thanks for the post. My toddler is refusing to take whole milk and does not like fish either. In what other ways can I make sure he is receiving his daily DHA requirement? Please offer advice or help.
Thanks.
Hi,
My brother 2 Child age 9 years to 15th Years , which Omega 3 capsules will be good for them bcz they are very slow in study and they will not eat fish ..which Omega supplements will be good for them and what will be dose each of them…Kindly revert.
The post details different types and amounts of DHA per age so just check the label. I use Carlsons lemon flavored fish oil.
Thanks for response, kindly share which brand will be good in India bcz there is a so many brand available.
HI,
I am having 3 years girl baby she in now just 11 and half wieght this is normal or less weight and she is not eating we have to push her every time how to take omega 3 fatty acid for her any tablet or syrep is there kindly advise us .
thank you
I know this post is old, but hoping you still monitor. In the example above and the dosage. Are you saying that a child between 2-4 yrs of age need 150-200 mg daily. In the supplement example 2 doses of the soft gels, gives a child way more than recommended of 1490mg. Even if you give the child 1 dose of the soft gels instead of 2 it still would be way more than they need. What are your suggestions for a 2-4 yr old.?
Hi Renee. That sample is an adult package. If you want to pick out a supplement just check the serving and how much DHA/EPA. For example, 1 tsp of fish oil I give my kids has 650mg per tsp. I only give this to them about 2 times per week. Or you could find another product with less and give it daily. Does that make sense?
Yes. Thank you. We do not currently give any DHA/EPA and after reading this article, I believe that we should be. My children are definitely not getting enough according to the foods that contain it, as we do not eat fish barely at all. So can you recommend one that you would give to your own children?
I think any of the products for kids are good like Nordic Naturals or Carlsons fish. We use the Carlsons lemony fish oil but my kids are used to it so they like it.
Hi Mayann,,
My son is 17 months old and he doesn’t eat fish, which is the best supplement to give him?
Thank you,
Elena
Since he is young, he’ll probably accept Carlsons lemony fish oil. 1/2 tsp contains 250mg DHA. You could give him half that every other day since he is so young. But if he doesn’t tak that try other brands until you find something he likes.
Hello Maryann,
My son is 12 years old (13 in late May) and is adhd. I would like to take him off of the pharmaceutical Focalin and try a natural method that is just as effective. I heard that Nordic naturals ultimate omega 2x is good alongside altering his diet. What are your thoughts about this?
Omega-3s can help helpful with kids with ADHD but I’m not sure it will be just as effective as medication. This review shows it can improve symptoms https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/28741625 I would check with his doctor or a healthcare professional that can help you weigh the pros and cons.
Hi. I just reviewed the latest recommendations from the Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics for omega 3s. http://www.eatright.org/resource/food/vitamins-and-supplements/types-of-vitamins-and-nutrients/do-kids-need-omega-3-fats
It says my 4 year old should have 900 mg of omega 3s a day. This seems like a lot, especially reviewing the amounts in kid’s supplements. Can you explain? Thanks!
That article is refering in general omega-3 fatty acids based on Institute of Medicine (old) recommendations. There are no US RDAs for DHA and EPA at this time. I include international recommendations. so use my numbers for general guidance on DHA/EPA. If you child eats fish once or twice a week they don’t need any supplements. Make sense?
Hi, do you recommend under 2 years old to take omega 3? How DHA should i give for 14 months old?I found twinlab multivitamin has dha of 20mg. Do you think that is enough? Thank you.
I was reading the DHA/EPA target for age chart, for the recommend dosage, is it for daily or weekly?Thanks
Daily. Does your child eat fish?
My son is 4 years old. We are vegan and I would like to start him on a DHA/EPA supp. I jus bought the Nordic Naturals brand vegetarian, its actually the “baby’s DHA” dropper kind (because it’s hard to find a vegetarian one without carrageenan) Anyways is the algae based supplement equal to fish oil. He is 4 so should he still get 100-150 mg?
Yes, the algae-based supplements should have the DHA. And 100-150 is the recommendation down for this age.
Hello and thank you for the great article.
I want to buy the Carlson The finest fish oil for my 15 months old baby.
How much i have to give her,because I’m scared i can overdose her.
thank you,
Delia
Carlson’s fish oil is for 2 and up. You may want to try this fro Nordic Naturals https://www.vitacost.com/nordic-naturals-babys-dha-with-vitamin-d3?csrc=GPF-PA-Babies%20%26%20Kids-768990537875&ci_gpa=pla&ci_kw=&ci_src=17588969&ci_sku=768990537875&csrc=GPF-PA&mtp=sE7NDTSmv-dc|pcrid|97670541613|product|768990537875&gclid=CjwKCAiA78XTBRBiEiwAGv7EKmlehWR-6zJcruEsC2QTeBq5K0LDriJZpohG5WvpxSpPg-DTI-pK8BoCz98QAvD_BwE
I understand. Carlson’s fish oil has 1600 mg Omega 3’s-for 5 ml dose,right?
But if I give her half : 2.5 ml -this will mean 800 mg Omega 3’s,am I right?
So,it should be ok for a 15 months old baby.Please,give me an advice.
I realy think that the Carlson’s fish oil it has a right price/quantity
The Nordic Naturals is so tiny the bottle,it will last ONLY for 12 days.
Sorry,I was talking about the big bottle (500 ml)-For adults.
I wanted to say the same thing for the Carlson Kids Fish oil-can I give her only half-only 1.25 ml ?
Should be ok for a 15 months old?
Or i have to ask her doctor?
Thnak you again,
Delia
All I know is what the label says and what they recommend. It seems they developed this product for kids over 2. That doesn’t mean you can’t give it to a younger. Maybe call the company directly?
My son is slow learner he couldn’t pick up right away the lesson in school even it’s easy to him to forgot things ,hes 12 yrs old already, do you think it’s is okay for him to take vitamins with DHA? Or what vitamins that you could recommend for him. Thank your for responds
Hi Shella. The post has some recommendations for amount based on age. Usually, DHA by itself is the best choice. Look at Carlsons or Nordic Naturals.
Your comments about FDA regulations for pregnant women eating 3-4 servings of 8-12 oz of Salmon per week is WRONG. The serving size for fish should be 3-4 oz portion (quite normal for all meats). Pregnant women should only have 12 oz per week. The mercury from seafood is stored in the brain and can be very toxic.
I meant that 2-3 servings adding up o 8-12 ounces per week. I change the language to be clear. This is rarely an issue as most people including pregnant women fall short on fish.
I agree…I think you are doing a great thing sharing useful information for the public…The general public often gets misleading information. I think as professionals we should be able to help each other with this. I just happened to come across this information yesterday seeking answers related to DHA. Thank you for sharing you knowledge!
Thanks!
Actually, I am getting worried about THINK SMART™ DHA DROPS. You know the DHA supplement is good and necessary for babies’ brain development. I am researching a lot over the internet and found that one of the doctors recommended THINK SMART™ DHA DROPS which
will be good for the 1-year baby. Now my question is that THINK SMART™ DHA DROPS contains the Tuna fish oil as Ingredients and you know that Tuna fish oil is harmful to brain cells. Beside FDA does not allow to eat any kind of tuna fish during pregnancy and one year of the baby. Now please let you know that THINK SMART™ DHA DROPS is still safe for feeding to the 1/2 year baby. If yes then please let me know the actual reason why it is safe although containing tuna fish oil?
I do not know does THINK SMART™ DHA DROPS has FDA approval?
I will be pleased if I get the right answer to you regarding my concerns.
I believe hte concern is with mercury although women and children are just limited by how much although it’s rare for them to eat too much. This chart will explain how much and kinds — light tuna fish is considered a “best choice.” YOu will need to contact the company for the DHA drops to see if they have mercury although I doubt it.
https://www.fda.gov/food/consumers/questions-answers-fdaepa-advice-about-eating-fish-women-who-are-or-might-become-pregnant