When I remind my dad to take his omega 3’s, it will inevitably result in a history lesson on Newfoundland’s cod fishery! That being said, my grandmother knew the benefit of subjecting her kids to their daily spoonful of cod liver oil. And back then, I’m told, there wasn’t lemon flavour!

I started my little guy on fish oils when he was 7 months old, and I’m seeing the therapeutic effects of this supplement every day. Clear skin, regular bowel movements (and by regular, I mean 2 or 3 times a day), an almost impenetrable immune system, and the brains to go along with those good looks (but I’m not biased…!).

Omega 3 & 6 fatty acids, also called polyunsaturated fatty acids (PUFA), are commonly found in fish oils, flaxseed oil, evening primrose oil, pumpkin seed oil, and borage oil. Most of the research on fatty acids and its therapeutic effects specifically concerns Eicosapentaenoic Acid (EPA) and Docosahexaenoic Acid (DHA) found in fish oils. Adults have the ability to manufacture these fatty acids in limited quantities but not infants and younger children.

The third trimester and postnatal period is extremely important for brain development of our babies, and fatty acids can play a vital role in this process. EPA and DHA will pass through the placenta and breast milk, so supplementing with a fish oil (or an omega 3/6) during the final 1/3 of a woman’s pregnancy and during lactation will expose the fetus and newborn to these nutrients. (Note: please advise a health care practitioner before self prescribing fish oils during pregnancy due to the potential Vitamin A in these supplements.)

Fish oils are an amazing supplement to give to your kids for general health and for the prevention of illness.

Fatty acids help maintain a healthy digestive system, promote the absorption of fat soluble vitamins (A, D, E, K), ward off intestinal inflammation and encourage routine bowel movements. It’s great for kids who are susceptible to stress, have frequent changes in routine, suffer from various phobias or have separation anxiety that results in constipation.

Fish oils help maintain healthy skin by contributing to the cells membranes, by creating a boundary to the environment, by providing the materials needed for new skin cell generation, and by taming inflammation, especially in the cases of inflammatory skin diseases, such as eczema, dermatitis and psoriasis.

Omega 3 & 6 help maintain healthy immune systems by providing the building blocks for certain antibodies and hormones and, again, by stabilizing inflammation resulting from an infection.

EPA & DHA have a profound effect on the brain and nervous system of our children. It functions in regulating the brain chemistry to favor happier dispositions, calmer temperaments, sharper memories and longer attention spans.

Unfortunately children may also suffer from many of the diseases common to adults such as heart disease, cancer and diabetes. From a preventative point of view, fish oils can play an important role in the prevention of these diseases in childhood and in later years.

Omega 3 fatty acids decrease platelet aggregation and therefore clotting. It also plays a role in decreasing liver production of LDL and triglycerides thereby lowering blood lipid levels.

Fatty acids exhibit an anti-tumor effect, particularly in the breast tissue and colon. EPA suppresses cell proliferation and DHA induces cellular death in cancer cells.

Research has shown supplementing with fish oils improves insulin sensitivity in type 2 diabetics.

From a therapeutic standpoint, fish oils can be successful in treating children with asthma, autism, recurrent ear infections and behavioral disabilities, such as ADHD.

Asthma, resulting from bronchial inflammation, constriction and mucus production, can be regulated by adding a fish oil supplement into the child’s treatment plan. One study showed a decrease in residual volume (usually increased in asthmatics) and a decrease in bronchial activity from supplementing with DHA and EPA.

Essential fatty acids optimize cellular membrane tasks that include relaying messages to other cells, and producing hormone-like chemicals that influence other cells, both of which are under functioning in autistic children. A study of autistic children showed that nearly 100% of these kids where deficient in omega 3 fatty acids. Yikes!!

Many parents struggle with recurring ear infections in their toddlers. The average child experiences one ear infection per year for the first 3 years of life and are often on antibiotics for 1 month per year as a result. Three of the most common bacteria responsible for causing ear infections are now resistant to antibiotics. A study of 8 toddlers with recurrent otitis media (OM) had reduced blood levels of fatty acids, Vitamin A and selenium. After supplementing with cod liver oil and selenium, there was a reduction of antibiotic use for acute OM by 13% fewer days.

There have been numerous studies on fish oils and ADHD. One study showed drawings and writings of a young boy before and after fatty acid supplementation. Before supplementation, the drawings were of violent deaths and his writing messy and diagonal. Following weeks of treatment, his drawings showed friendlier images and his writing was legible and neat. Another study involved children with symptoms of delayed motor coordination, poor attention spans, poor behavior and dyslexia. After 3 months of treatment with fish oil, significant improvements were noted in spelling, reading, and behavior.

There are numerous fish oil supplements on the market and you don’t want to compromise the price for good quality. Questions often arise on the purity of the fish oil and whether the company has taken measures to remove heavy metals and other harmful toxins. This is an especially important point when giving supplements to children since they are exponentially susceptible to these toxic chemicals.

You’ll be happy to know that adults have a harder time getting this supplement down than our little people. My toddler especially loves the strawberry flavor!!

© Dr. Amy Wells, Naturopathic Physician
338.2600 (Courtenay), 336.8284 (Cumberland)