Omega 3 child 5 years old. Lack of fatty acids can be dangerous

Vitamins combined into group B are very important for maintaining children's health and active development child's body. Among them, one of the most valuable for nervous system called vitamin B4, another name for which is “choline”. How is this vitamin substance useful for children, what food can it be obtained from, and can choline be given in the form vitamin supplements?

For active growth and the development of the child’s body, a sufficient supply of vitamin B4 is important

Benefits of Choline

The main functions of vitamin B4 are participation in fat metabolism and support of cell membranes. This substance is important for liver function and was first isolated from bile, hence its name “choline”.

No less valuable impact Vitamin B4 is to support the functioning of the nervous system. Due to its participation in the production of acetylcholine, this vitamin promotes rapid blood flow. nerve impulses. Sufficient quantity Choline has a positive effect on such mental processes like memory and attention.

In addition, choline:

Improves absorption fat-soluble vitamins.
Lowers blood cholesterol levels.
Prevents excess bile formation and gallstones.
Accelerates the recovery of liver cells after toxic damage.
Increases resistance to stress and improves mood, preventing depression.
Normalizes metabolic processes, helping to maintain body weight.
Strengthens the heart muscle and blood vessel walls.
Participates in the synthesis of insulin and hormonal compounds.
Supports the work of lecithin and the effect of other B vitamins.

An increased need for choline is noted with significant physical activity and frequent stressful situations.

Exercising increases your baby's need for choline

Choline Products

Every day a child should receive approximately 100-350 milligrams of choline, and the main source of this substance is food.

Vitamin B4 is found in significant amount V:

Eggs.
Liver.
Meat.
Sour cream and cream.
Bran.
Sunflower oil.
Nuts.
Green tea.
Trout, herring and mackerel.
Yeast.
Sunflower seeds.
Cabbage, carrots, spinach and tomatoes.
Green peas.
Fermented milk products.

Review of drugs

If a mother wants to supplement the children's diet with vitamin B4 from pharmaceutical supplements, then the child can receive choline from such poly vitamin complexes:

Univit Kids with Omega-3 and choline. The supplement is prescribed for children over 3 years of age and consists of chewable cherry dolphin gummies. From one tablet the child will receive 35 mg of choline. The product also contains ascorbic acid, other B vitamins and Omega-3 fats.

Supradin Kids. These marmalade “fish” and “stars” are given to children over 3 years old. From one lozenge of this complex the child will receive 30 mg of vitamin B4. The preparation also contains other vitamins and omega-3 fats that are important for children.

Supradin Kids Junior. The complex is designed for children over 5 years old and contains essential vitamins and valuable minerals. It is produced in the form of chewable tablets with a tangerine-orange flavor. One tablet of this supplement contains 25 mg of choline.

VitaMishki Bio+. This supplement is allowed from the age of three. It is represented by chewable “bear cubs”, which contain not only vitamins, but also prebiotics. Choline content per lozenge this drug is 20 mg.

Solgar Kangavites Multivitamins and Minerals. The supplement is prescribed for children over 2 years of age and is represented by fruit or berry chewable tablets. They include important vitamin compounds, mineral salts, citrus bioflavonoids, rose hips and others natural ingredients. Choline in one tablet of this drug contains 0.5 mg.

A question appeared in the comments about omega for children: what dosages are recommended in childhood. The dosages are so different that I decided to devote a separate post and discussion to this topic! =)

I will not touch on the usefulness and necessity of omega for children (this is the topic of a separate post), today I will only talk about the dosage of omega acids for the growth and development of our children.

Omega-3 for children have EXTRA important: they are involved in the development of the brain and a healthy nervous system, vision. Research has shown that most children receive less than a quarter the omega acids they need! And such a shortage is considered problem No. 1 in modern world, along with .

The main omega acid that plays a key role in development in children is DHA (docosahexaenoic acid), which is why most children's supplements focus on it. In 2013, the intake of DHA + EPA was studied, which turned out to be extremely low compared to minimum required dosage:

To complicate matters, young children are limited in their consumption of fish due to the risk of contamination with mercury and other harmful substances.

Despite this, there is no universal reference point daily use omega acids. Recommended daily dosage depends on the age (weight) and health status of the child. I'll write a few different opinions so that you can choose the dosage for your child.

6-24 months: 10-12 mg DHA per kg of weight
2-4 years: 100-150 mg DHA + EPA
4-6 years: 150-200 mg DHA + EPA
6-10 years: 200-250 mg DHA + EPA
10-18 years: 250 mg DHA + EPA

According to American Association pregnancy, the International Fatty Acid and Lipid Society suggests that children ages 1.5 to 15 years receive 15 milligrams of DHA + EPA per pound of body weight per day.

For my 40 kg child (40:0.453 = 88 lbs) this is 1320 mg DHA + EPA per day. And although the dosage for children in Japan is even higher, I consider it high!

Sandy Newmark, MD, Director, Pediatric Neurodevelopmental Program childhood, recommends that children 4-6 years old take 500 mg of DHA+EPA daily, and children 7 years and older, 1000 mg.

This is the golden mean!

I have already thought about dosages for my child and I will revise them to increase to 1000 mg DHA + EPA.

You also need to know the maximum acceptable standards. The Institute of Medicine does not have a safe upper limit for omega acids. However The FDA does not recommend taking 3,000 mg or more per day without consulting a doctor (for children and adults), since such dosages increase the risk of bleeding.

Omega-3 for children

Of all the omegas for children that we have tried, I liked everyone, so I’ll just list them and write a couple of explanations:

⇒ Nordic Naturals, Daily Omega Kids, Natural Fruit Flavor, 500 mg. Per serving: 275 mg DHA + EPA. Chewable capsules, for children 3 years and older. Optimal for the price, we sat on these omegas for a long time, but took a double dosage.

⇒ Garden of Life, Oceans Kids, DHA Chewables, Age 3 And Older. Per serving: 200 mg DHA + EPA. Capsules in the form of chewable balls, without fishy odor, for children 3 years and older.

⇒ Nordic Naturals, Children's DHA, Strawberry, 250 mg. Per serving: 175 mg DHA + EPA. The small capsules are easy to swallow or chew. For children 3 years and older.

⇒ Nordic Naturals, Ultimate Omega, Junior, 500 mg. Per serving: 550 mg DHA + EPA. Chewable capsules for children and adolescents, aged 5 years and older. But there is a minus here - towards the end of use, this additive developed a characteristic fishy smell (the only one of all).

⇒ Nordic Naturals, Children's DHA, Strawberry. Liquid cod fish oil, 420 mg DHA + EPA per serving, convenient to dose, store in the refrigerator after opening, taste absolutely normal. Children from 12 months, if earlier then after consultation with a pediatrician.

The next omega purchases for children for the fall will be these, with an increased dosage of EPA + DHA

⇒ Carlson Labs, Kid's, The Very Finest Fish Oil, Natural Lemon Flavor. Liquid fish oil, 650 DHA + EPA per serving, for children 4 years and older.

⇒ Barlean's, Omega Kid's Swirl, Fish Oil, Lemonade. Per serving: 360 mg DHA + EPA. These are unusual omega acids in the form and texture of a fruit smoothie! Fish oil is in the form of an emulsion, and according to the manufacturer, this form is absorbed 9 times better than regular oil form.

⇒ Nordic Naturals, DHA, Strawberry, 500 mg. 685 mg DHA + EPA per serving, strawberry flavored softgels, easy to swallow.

Who asked for omega for children without the addition of strawberry and lemon flavors, here is such an excellent option for pure Arctic fish oil:

⇒ Nordic Naturals, Arctic Cod Liver Oil, 835 DHA + EPA per serving, unflavored and flavoring additives. For children, you can give half of one serving.

What dosages of omega-3 do you give to your children, or are you going to give them during the school season?

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In this article:

It happens that parents are faced with such unpleasant problems your child, such as poor performance at school, insufficient sharp vision, difficulties with memorization and, in general, some developmental delay of the child.

Besides individual characteristics mental development children, pediatricians do not exclude the possibility that in some cases children simply do not have enough omega-3 polyunsaturated fatty acids.

Remembering their childhood, many adults mention how their parents forced them to drink fish oil, which had a specific bad taste. Taking fish oil supplemented children's bodies with beneficial omega-3 fatty acids.

Nowadays, semi-finished products, all kinds of sweets and drinks with high content sugar, children are often completely deprived of the opportunity to get essential vitamins along with food. This is how modern children develop behavioral problems, learning difficulties and general failure vitamins and microelements in the body.

Beneficial properties of omega-3 for the growing body of children

Omega-3 polyunsaturated fatty acid is extremely important for the growth and development of the child's body. It consists exclusively important elements: alpha-linolenic, eicosapentaenoic, docosahexaenoic acids. They remarkably strengthen the immune system, help improve the body's resistance to infections and help it recover from various diseases.

In addition, it is difficult to overestimate the importance of the fact that Omega-3 provides vitamins A, D and E to the child’s body. provide beneficial influence on vision, skin, bone formation and growth, normalize heart function, and also improve muscle recovery, reaction speed and attention.

In the current state of affairs in the food market, when manufacturers use all sorts of means to reduce the cost of the product and make greater profits and at the very most last resort people are thinking about its vitamin content and benefits; cases of allergic reactions in children have become more frequent of different ages. Omega-3 significantly reduces the risk of allergies in a child.

It should be noted that Omega-3 deficiency negatively affects the work of cardio-vascular system and building brain cells. Fatty acid also affects the formation of tooth germs, and subsequently their growth. A depressed state, unexplained irritability or apathy, excitability and sleep disturbances, mood swings - all this may indicate a lack of polyunsaturated fatty acids in the child’s body.

Replenishing the body with healthy fats

Let's start with the fact that the child should receive the necessary vitamins at the stage intrauterine development. Therefore, pregnant women should definitely take medications containing omega-3 and also eat
foods rich healthy fats. These include fish and vegetable oils: rapeseed, flaxseed, soybean, pumpkin, wheat germ oil. Of course, the oil should not be refined. It is not recommended to cook hot dishes with such oils, but it is very useful to season salads with them and simply add them to food.

It is especially useful to regularly use fatty fish such as salmon, mackerel, herring, and tuna for cooking.

A small amount of polyunsaturated fats can be obtained by eating egg yolks, nuts, vegetables, fruits, poultry, spinach, and beans.

Ideally, children should eat fish dishes three times a week, and vegetables and fruits - at least 400 grams per day.

Correct and varied diet This is definitely the key to health. But in the modern world, when not every family can afford to allocate money from the family budget to purchase expensive varieties of fish, pharmaceutical dietary supplements and vitamin complexes containing the daily norms of omega-3 come to the rescue. Manufacturers have made enough efforts to ensure that taking fish oil by a child does not lead to stress, so the form of preparations with omega-3 is very diverse: syrups, marmalade, chewable capsules, and so on.

PIKOVIT OMEGA-3.

The release form of the drug is syrup.

One teaspoon of syrup contains:

vitamin A – 200 mcg;
folic acid (a water-soluble vitamin necessary for the growth and development of the circulatory and immune systems) – 50 mcg;
ascorbic acid – 40 mg;
vitamin B6 – 0.5 mg;
fish fat;
vitamin B1 – 0.7 mg;
dexpanthenol (tissue regeneration stimulator);
vitamin B2 – 0.8 mg;
vitamin B12 – 0.35 mcg.

The syrup has a peach flavor and a viscous consistency. Prescribed for children over 3 years of age.

The release form of the drug is the same - syrup with a slight lemon taste. Experts recommend taking vitamins pure form or add to prepared dishes such as salad or soup. The amount of the drug per dose depends on the age of the child: for children from 3 years old - 1 ml, from 12 years old - 2 ml.

The well-known German pharmaceutical company QueisserPharma offers the DOPPELHERZ OMEGA-3 complex for children. Dosage form release – chewable capsules with lemon flavor. One capsule of the drug contains:

fish oil from the body of arctic salmon with omega-3 – 323 g,
tocopherol acetate (vitamin E) – 2.5 mg
vitamin C – 30 mg
vitamin A – 200 mcg
vitamin D – 1.25 mcg.

Capsules must be chewed thoroughly. Prescribed for children aged 7 years and older.

You can also note such drugs as OMEGA-3 TUTTI FRUTTI from the Dutch company Bioriginal Europe/Asia B.V., OMEGA-3 UNIQUE Russian company"Polaris", UNIVIT KIDS OMEGA-3 WITH CHOLINE from the German company "Pharmastandard", MULTI-TABS PERINATAL OMEGA-3 from the Romanian company "Pfizer".

Accept vitamin preparations should be done after consulting a doctor and strictly according to the attached instructions.

By replenishing children's bodies with healthy fats, one can observe a decrease in the recurrence of allergic reactions, in particular, diathesis sometimes goes away completely. And also among the effects is improvement intellectual activity child, increasing attention and interest in learning, resistance to stress.

Many mothers notice that after a course of taking omega-3 medications, their children get sick less and feel great.

For the full growth and development of a child’s body, nutrients, minerals, and trace elements are necessary. Substances that perform many functions also play a significant role. important functions. The child’s body’s need for vitamins is increased, and therefore the question of finding their optimal source is urgent. Great option is Supradin Kids with Omega 3 and Choline.

Description and composition

The drug Supradin Kids with Omega 3 is available in the form of chewable lozenges (fish). The composition is based on a combination of the main groups of vitamins necessary for the child’s body. In addition, children's Supradin contains Omega-3. This substance has a positive effect on brain function, improves vision, and supports the cardiovascular system.

The composition of the drug includes:

When to take the drug

It should be noted that Supradin Kids with Omega 3 and Choline is used as a dietary supplement. It cannot be used as a primary vitamin source, since the largest amount is biologically active substances The child should receive it along with the food he eats.

The main indications for use are:

Increased physical activity
Diet disorders
Diseases associated with absorption disorders nutrients
Low immunity
Seasonal vitamin deficiency
Period of adaptation to the school regime

In general, the presented drug can be taken by any child in the absence of contraindications. As a secondary source useful substances Supradin Kids significantly improves growth processes, promotes intellectual development child.

Contraindications for use:

Individual hypersensitivity
Presence of diabetes mellitus
Age limit (up to 3 years)
Hypervitaminosis
Conditions associated with

If there are contraindications, taking vitamins is not recommended due to increased risk side effects.

Supradin Kids vitamins should be taken in accordance with the described clinical indications.

Admission rules

Vitamins Supradin are intended for oral administration. Release in the form of jelly candies allows you to significantly simplify the process of consumption. Before taking a vitamin complex for children, it is recommended to consult a pediatrician and also make sure there are no contraindications.

To improve absorption active ingredients The drug must be taken simultaneously with food or after food intake. varies depending on the age of the child. Children aged 3 years are allowed to take 1 tablet per day. At the age of 4 to 14 years, the dosage is increased to 2 pieces per day, preferably with equal time intervals between each dose.

Side effects

The vitamin complex is tolerated by patients without negative consequences, does not cause any adverse reactions. Development risk negative phenomena exists only if taken in increased doses or if the child has individual sensitivity to any component.

Against the background of such disorders, allergic reactions may develop, the severity of which will depend on the duration of vitamin intake and other factors.

The disorder is accompanied by the following symptoms:

itchy skin
rashes
swelling
skin redness
burning sensation

If these symptoms occur, you should stop taking the drug and seek help from a pediatrician. In most cases allergic manifestations go away on their own after the child stops taking the drug.

In general, Supradin kids - safe drug for children, which may cause side effects only in case of overdose.

Omega-3s are no less important for children than vitamins, macro- and microelements. A deficiency of these essential bioactive compounds in the baby’s body will cause mental and mental retardation. physical development. Children whose diet lacks Omega-3 are susceptible to frequent relapses respiratory infections- tonsillitis, trachitis, bronchitis. Pediatricians recommend that parents of constantly ill children include in their daily menu fatty lightly salted fish, legumes, vegetables, olive oil. These foods contain maximum amount beneficial Omega-3 acids.

Beneficial features

As a child grows and develops, its cells rapidly divide. To do this, the body must constantly receive not only lipids, proteins and carbohydrates, but also Omega-3 fatty acids along with food. These biologically active substances are the structural units of almost all cell membranes. Polyunsaturated fatty acids are directly involved in the synthesis of hormone-like organic compounds prostaglandins. They regulate blood pressure, transmission of nerve impulses, contractile function heart muscle.

A sedentary lifestyle and addiction to fast food become the main reasons for the body’s slagging at a very young age. The benefit of Omega 3 for children lies in the ability of bioactive substances to normalize metabolic processes, especially fat metabolism. Polyunsaturated acids involved in transportation good cholesterol as part of low-density lipoprotein complexes. They are quickly removed from blood vessels, which has a positive effect on the condition of veins, arteries and capillaries.

Strengthening the immune system

Omega-3s are organic compounds exhibiting anti-inflammatory activity. With their constant and complete intake from food, the functional activity immune system. If viruses, pathogenic fungi or allergic agents enter the baby’s body, antibodies, white blood cells, and T-lymphocytes begin to be produced. A powerful immune response gives microbes no chance to survive. fast growth and reproduction.

This is interesting: Omega-3 acids should make up about 1% of all nutrients a child receives daily. Only in this case is it possible to fully develop the baby’s immune, cardiovascular and digestive systems.

Memory improvement

Studies have established why Omega-3 is useful for children - eating fatty fish, olive oil avoids learning problems. Children remember and assimilate material better and are distinguished by perseverance and diligence. They have better contact with peers; they are not characterized by aggressiveness, impulsiveness, irritability, or anxiety.

Thanks to polyunsaturated acids, falling asleep in young children is stabilized and sleep phases are normalized. Regular consumption of Omega-3 products helps teenagers avoid depressive states characteristic of this period of life. It is not typical for such children increased anxiety, nervous excitability, excessive suspiciousness.

Daily value of Omega-3

There is still no consensus among pediatricians at what age children can take Omega-3 supplements. Fish oil is used as the main source of bioactive compounds. This natural product in the form of a thick liquid with a bright pronounced taste and scent can be used from the age of two. And when acute shortage polyunsaturated acids and fat-soluble vitamins can also be taken by children from 12 months.

Advice: When purchasing fish oil in capsules, you should give preference to those dietary supplements whose packaging indicates an Omega-3 concentration of at least 30%. This value guarantees the high quality of the drug.

The amount of Omega-3 for children varies depending not only on their age and weight, but also on their health status. In order for a child under three years of age to fully grow and develop, he needs to receive about 0.8-0.9 g of polyunsaturated fatty acids daily with food. This amount gradually increases and by the age of four the child’s body’s need for Omega-3 acids increases to 1.2 g. active image life, those involved in heavy sports need more bioactive compounds than their peers who perform free time at computer.

If the doctor has prescribed additional dietary supplements or vitamin complexes, then when purchasing it is worth considering that capsules and dragees may contain different quantity Omega-3. detailed information information about daily and single dosages is indicated in the annotation attached to the package. There is also a recommendation on the duration of the therapeutic course. In some cases, for example, with a total Omega-3 deficiency, the doctor may increase the duration of medication.

How to choose the best Omega-3 product

It is very good if the pediatrician, when drawing up a therapeutic regimen, includes a specific drug for children with polyunsaturated fatty acids. Because a doctor’s recommendation to buy “something with Omega-3” will leave parents with a difficult choice. On pharmacy shelves there is a wide range of different syrups, capsules, and chewing marmalade. Their cost varies significantly depending on the form of Omega-3 and the manufacturer.

Advice: When choosing a drug or dietary supplement for children for treatment and prevention, you should focus on its price. Products with Omega-3 fatty acids cannot be cheap, since high-quality raw materials and modern technological equipment are used in their production.

Despite the fact that taking capsules with polyunsaturated fatty acids is allowed for children from 7 years of age, many children cannot swallow the product even with big amount water. Such Suitable for child chewing marmalade or thick syrup containing purified fish oil. When choosing a medicine, you should give preference to the one that contains daily dose Omega-3 for children. Here is a list of the most popular and effective drugs with polyunsaturated fatty acids:

Pikovit Omega-3. The medicine is produced in the form of a syrup, which contains not only Omega-3, but also ergocalciferol, retinol, tocopherol, ascorbic acid and essential vitamins group B. Designed to strengthen protective forces children from three years old;
Multi-tabs Omega-3. The drug is available in the form of chewable capsules and syrup and can be used for treatment and prevention in children from the age of three. Omega-3 Multi-Tabs contains Omega-3, fat-soluble and water-soluble vitamins. The syrup package is equipped with a special measuring spoon;
Supradin KIDS with Omega-3. Chewable marmalade with fish oil is produced in different dosages depending on the age of the children. The medicine contains essential polyunsaturated fatty acids - eicosapentaenoic and docosahexaenoic.

Almost all Omega-3 preparations intended for children contain flavorings and dyes. In this way, manufacturers try to mask the very specific taste and smell of fish oil. Unfortunately, this is not always possible. Many parents have to purchase more than one type medicines before the child agrees to drink syrup or chew gummies.

Main Sources of Omega-3

For physical and mental development children require polyunsaturated fatty acids daily. Their highest concentration is found in the liver and muscle fibers sea fish of these types:

sardine;
mackerel;
salmon;
halibut;
herring.

A lot of Omega-3 in vegetable oils- sesame, olive and flaxseed. Beneficial biologically active compounds are destroyed during prolonged heat treatment. Nutritionists recommend baking fish or poaching it in a small amount of water. Replenishing the supply of Omega-3 in the baby’s body will allow introducing it into his diet. bell pepper, Brussels sprouts, avocado, beans, chickpeas, lentils. They are best used only in fresh. Children love to enjoy nuts and seeds, so you can enrich their daily menu with peanuts, cashews, almonds - plant sources polyunsaturated fatty acids.

Recommendation: Not all kids like fatty fish, but they rarely refuse tasty shrimp and squid. These seafood not only contain a lot of Omega-3, but also easily digestible proteins, carbohydrates, vitamins and microelements.

The dangers of Omega-3 deficiency

Irrational and unbalanced diet provokes a deficiency of Omega-3 in the baby’s body. Parents find out about this only during a visit to the pediatrician, when they bring their child because frequent colds, growth retardation or learning disabilities. In the process of making a preliminary diagnosis, the doctor may suspect a deficiency of polyunsaturated fatty acids and fat-soluble vitamins. After making the necessary adjustments to the daily menu and additionally taking Omega-3 for children in capsules or syrup, the child catches up with his peers in growth and development.

But Omega-3 deficiency often goes unnoticed. Moms and dads attribute poor performance at school or inability to play sports to illness or heredity. In these cases, parents do not turn to pediatricians in vain. It is quite possible that the problem lies precisely in the lack of Omega-3. What may indicate a lack of polyunsaturated fatty acids in a child’s body:

Frequent allergic reactions. With Omega-3 deficiency, the baby is diagnosed with not only urticaria and atopic dermatitis, but difficulties arise with their treatment. Skin pathologies persist for a long time even when using creams and ointments with glucocorticosteroids;
Hyperactivity. Polyunsaturated acids are directly involved in innervation, so their deficiency causes excessive motor activity, problems with concentration;
Poor memory of material read or listened to. Omega-3s are structural elements cells of the central nervous system, including the brain. Their deficiency leads to deterioration of the child's memory.

All of the above pathologies, as well as respiratory, gastrointestinal and kidney diseases can be prevented by introducing foods high in Omega-3 into the child’s diet. If there is a total deficiency of bioactive compounds, pediatricians prescribe medications or dietary supplements with fish oil.

Warning: A lack of polyunsaturated fatty acids can cause a decrease in visual acuity in a child, especially a twilight child. In this case, it is very important to quickly replenish Omega-3 reserves to prevent irreversible damage.

Harm

Many mothers and fathers ask pediatricians the question of whether Omega-3 can be given to children in the form of pharmacological drugs or biologically active additives. As a rule, such an additional intake can be very useful if the baby’s diet does not contain enough foods with polyunsaturated fatty acids. But the choice of medications should be approached with caution. Some children have individual intolerance not only to the active ingredients, but also to auxiliary components syrups, capsules and chewing gummies.

Contraindications

All parents want to strengthen the immunity of their children, prevent viral and bacterial infections with the help of beneficial Omega-3s. But when diagnosing certain diseases, the use of these biologically active substances can harm the baby’s health. To there sharp and chronic pathologies relate.