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Benefits Of Omega 3 Fish OilBrain power! Omega 3 for children |
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Recent research has shown the benefits of omega 3 fish oil in helping improve brain power in
young children and if your child has a fish oil deficiency you
should consider either increasing the amount of oily fish eaten, or giving
a supplement.
The research has been carried out on two groups of young children. In the first group children aged 6-12 years were given a combination of omega 3 fish oil and omega 6 evening primrose oil. After 3 months underperforming children showed a significant improvement in behaviour, including attention levels, hyperactivity and short-term memory. Over a six month period there were improvements, sometimes dramatic, in reading skills. The second group of 8-9 year olds already had a reading age 9 months above average. After 3 months they were 18 months above average. Although not done under strict research conditions, in Durham UK it was found that 16 year olds who took omega 3 in the year before sitting their GCSE exams scored higher than children who did not. These results, although suggesting omega 3 was of benefit, cannot be taken as conclusive, as there were no children taking a placebo in order to make a comparsion.
Benefits Of Omega 3 Fish OilResearch into the benefits of omega 3 and brain power is still in its infancy, but the benefit of fish oil has been recognised for generations. Like many other children in the years following WW2 I was given a daily dose of cod liver oil mixed with malt. Many people remember it with horror but I really enjoyed it. Years later, when I developed painful joints, I started taking it again, this time without the malt. Over a period of months the joint pains gradually disappeared. I still take cod liver oil but as a preventative medicine not a cure. Now it seems that the benefit of omega 3, including increasing brain power in children, may be far greater than was thought when I was a child.When I was first given fish oil it was to ward off colds and flu, but its value in treating joint pains was also well recognised. Omega 3, found in fish oils, is a polyunsaturated essential fatty acid. Research has shown that it has the same anti-inflammatory properties as Ibuprofen hence the relieve I found! In the 1950's research into the diet of the Inuits of Greenland started to show the beneficial effect on the heart of eating fish. This research has continued and shows that several portions of oily fish a week reduces the risk of cardiovascular disease. Research also shows that taking omega 3 with omega 6, another essential fatty acid found mainly in vegetables, is also important.
Omega 3 SourcesOne of the problems facing us is declining fish stocks. We cannot rely upon fish as our only source of omega 3. Studies into omega 3 in plant food suggest that it is possible to modify certain plants to provide the omega 3 that we need. This raises the issue of genetically modified plants that may not be acceptable to consumers.
Fish Oil VitaminsIf you choose to buy a fish oil supplement you have the choice between buying cod liver oil, or fish oil from the fatty tissue of oily fish such as salmon or herrings. Cod liver oil is an excellent source of Vitamin A & D, however you must be careful not to exceed the stated dosage as it is possible to overdose on the vitamins. Vitamin E is often added to the supplement helping to prevent the oil become rancid and you should look for good quality oil containing it. Fish oil does not have the same levels of Vitiamin A & D as cod liver oil.There are a number of brands offering Omega 3 for children and you should always check the recommended daily dosage for children. If you think that your child's health may be improved by the benefits of omega 3 fish oil, but they are not fond of eating oily fish, consult your physician before giving supplements.. This article is for information only and no liability is accepted for action taken.
Omega 3 For Children © 2006
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