When you have children, you want to do what’s best for them.
This means ensuring that they are getting all the right foods, all the right interactions, and, of course, all the right supplements in their diets. Most people are aware that supplements like Vitamin C are important for development and immunity, but what about the role of omega fatty acids?
It is assumed that these acids are only beneficial to older people. However, research has found that when they are given to children, they can help with growth and cognition. So, read on to learn more about them!
Firstly, though, what are omega fatty acids?
They are in the polyunsaturated fats family and are a core component of parts of the brain and the eyes. They are also crucial in helping with energy transfer in the body, as well as metabolism. So, you can see why they are so important for your kid’s health!
This is perhaps the most well-known of the omega fatty acids.
Yes, it is often thought of as something that is given to older people who have sore joints, but when you supplement your child’s diet with it, you are helping with their brain and visual development. Omega-3 is composed of DHA, which is also known as docosahexaenoic acid. This is a large structural component of grey matter in the brain. It also helps with the development and regulation of the nervous system, as well as the correct functioning of synapses and neurons. Studies have found that children who have high levels of omega-3 in their diet are more likely to have better emotional regulation, as well as being linked to lower levels of anxiety. So, it’s a win-win all around!
One of the lesser-known omega-fatty acids, omega-6 has been found to be beneficial to children if they are given it in the first two years of their life. Of course, that’s not to say that if your child eats omega-6 after this, it will be bad!
Indeed, if you have a toddler, it has been found that giving them supplements of omega-6 will help them with brain development, emotional regulation (which parent of a toddler doesn’t want that?) and, of course, their brains neural linking. Unlike omega-3, which is found in fish, omega-6 is found in eggs, avocado, as well as sunflower and corn oil.
The even lesser-known omega fatty acid, omega-9, is a must-have for any kid’s diet!
Omega-9 helps with a child’s development by helping them with energy regulation (fewer crashes throughout the day), brain development, and blood sugar regulation. Why is the latter important for development? Well, it helps with healthier absorption in the body and also reduces inflammation responses, which could make a young child feel cranky! Long-term, the addition of omega-9 supplements to your child’s diet has also been found to reduce the chances of heart disease. So, it’s well worth looking into if you want to give your kids the best start in life!
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