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Fish oil has many benefits for children, from cognitive development to maintaining eye health. Check out other benefits of fish oil for children.
Fish oil benefits the body, including children’s growth and development. The high nutritional content and omega-3 fatty acids contained in it have extraordinary benefits for the health and growth of children.
So, what are the benefits and efficacy of consuming fish oil for children? Come on, see it in full here.
1. Optimize Brain and Cognitive Function
DHA (docosahexaenoic acid) and EPA (eicosapentaenoic acid), the two primary omega-3 fatty acids in fish oil, play an essential role in children’s brain development.
According to research in the Journal of Nutrition and Food Sciences, omega-3 fatty acids such as DHA positively affect children’s brain development.
DHA helps improve cognitive function, strengthens memory, and supports children’s learning processes. Parents can support their child’s brain development from an early age by providing fish oil.
Besides providing good fish oil supplements for children, Mama and Papa can stimulate your little one’s brain development.
For example, activities that stimulate brain development, such as role-playing and reading story books together.
2. Protects Heart Health
Besides being beneficial for children’s brains, fish oil is also suitable for heart health. The DHA and EPA content can help reduce triglyceride and bad cholesterol (LDL) levels in the body, reducing the risk of heart disease in the future.
According to the American Heart Association, consuming omega-3 fatty acids such as those found in fish oil has been shown to support heart health.
To be more optimal, apart from fish oil supplements, Mama and Papa can give children nuts, seeds and green leafy vegetables.
3. Improves the body’s immune system
Children are often susceptible to various infections and diseases.
Fish oil supplements contain natural anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties that can strengthen their immune system. This way, children can fight infections, colds and flu more effectively.
According to research in the journal Nutrients, omega-3 fatty acids can affect the immune system.
Apart from giving fish oil to children, it is also essential to teach them good habits, such as washing their hands regularly and maintaining adequate sleep patterns, to maintain a healthy immune system.
4. Good for bone growth
The next benefit of fish oil for children is that it suits your little one’s bone growth.
The DHA content in fish oil also plays a vital role in ensuring optimal bone growth in childhood.
As they age, this can prevent future bone growth problems, such as osteoporosis.
To ensure good bone growth, besides giving fish oil supplements, ensure children get enough calcium and vitamin D from their food.
5. Make children’s vision sharper and healthier
Carrots are suitable for the eyes, and the DHA in fish oil is also vital for children’s eye health.
Based on research in the journal Advances in Nutrition, DHA is an essential component in the eye’s retina that supports eye health.
So, Mama and Papa can also provide food sources of vitamin A for your little one so that their eye health continues to be maintained.
6. Reduces the risk of allergies
The benefit of fish oil for children that not many know is that it can reduce the risk of allergies.
According to research in the journal Allergy, Asthma & Clinical Immunology, omega-3 fatty acids can influence the development of allergies in children.
The anti-inflammatory properties of omega-3 fatty acids in fish oil help calm the immune system’s response to allergens.
7. Create a Better Mood
Omega-3 fatty acids also influence the regulation of children’s moods and behaviour. Fish oil supplements help reduce the risk of mood disorders and ADHD (Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder) in children.
According to Frontiers in Psychiatry, omega-3 fatty acids positively affect mood and behavioural disorders in children. In this study, giving fish oil supplements can make children calmer, more focused and more enthusiastic in daily activities.
8. Helps lung and respiratory tract function
The next benefit of fish oil is that it can improve the function of children’s lungs and respiratory tract.
According to the American Journal of Respiratory and Critical Care Medicine, omega-3 fatty acids can help treat respiratory problems. Omega-3 fatty acids help reduce inflammation and strengthen the lungs.
To maintain children’s lung health, apart from providing fish oil supplements, it is also essential for parents to keep children away from cigarette smoke and air pollution.
Then parents can also teach good breathing techniques to help children manage their breathing problems.
9. Important for skin health
Fish oil has anti-inflammatory properties that keep children’s skin healthy. This helps reduce the risk of skin diseases, such as eczema and keeps their skin moisturized and healthy.
Parents must keep their Children’s Nutritional Needs, choose appropriate skin care products, and provide crucial nutritional intake, such as vitamin E and zinc, to maintain healthy skin.
10. Help improve sleep quality
Fish oil supplements have also been linked to improved sleep quality in children. DHA helps regulate their sleep rhythm, ensuring deeper sleep and starting the day with enthusiasm.
Parents need to create a comfortable and consistent sleep environment for children. Avoid screen exposure before bed and make sure they get enough rest.
11. Optimize Children’s Concentration and Focus
Besides supporting brain development, fish oil also helps improve children’s cognitive function and concentration. DHA plays a role in forming brain cells and neurotransmitters essential for better understanding and learning.
Parents must create a conducive learning environment and support their children’s educational activities. Consultation with teachers and support in the learning process is also essential.
12. Maintain healthy teeth and gums
Fish oil positively affects the health of children’s teeth and gums. The DHA content helps reduce gum inflammation, prevents dental problems, and helps develop strong tooth structure.
Parents must teach their children about the importance of clean teeth and gums and take them to see a dentist. Eating healthy foods and avoiding foods high in sugar also supports healthy teeth and gums.
13. Reduces Asthma Symptoms
Fish oil can help reduce the symptoms and severity of asthma attacks for children with asthma. Omega-3 fatty acids help overcome inflammation in the respiratory tract, making breathing more accessible for your little one.
Parents need to understand their child’s asthma triggers and avoid risk factors. Appropriate medication and consultation with a paediatrician are also crucial in managing a child’s asthma.
14. Optimizes Nutrient Absorption
The DHA in fish oil is vital in efficiently absorbing nutrients in children’s bodies.
According to the International Journal for Vitamin and Nutrition Research, omega-3 fatty acids can affect nutrient absorption.
This helps them benefit from their food, supporting optimal growth and health.
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