Fish oil for children: benefits, types of drugs, instructions

Fish oil, as a dietary supplement, has been known for over 200 years. His study began in the Soviet Union, it was then that scientists came to the conclusion that it is an indispensable source of polyunsaturated fatty acids.

They can be obtained from food, but for this you need to eat a large number of certain varieties of fish. This is not always possible, especially for children at an early age. And fish oil is available and proper use can have a positive effect on the health of the child.

Useful properties of fish oil for children

How is fish oil useful for children? The main effect of additives in the impact on the mental abilities of children. Its effect is cumulative. The vessels expand and the work of the brain improves markedly. In simple terms, the child begins to memorize information better and becomes more receptive. His memory and ability to analyze is greatly improved.

At an older age, the drug serves as an assistant for children. Fighting attacks from the outside world that lead to dejected states becomes easier. It contributes to the development of the hormone of happiness, which helps the child to see the world in more iridescent colors.

But the kids should not uncontrolled give supplement. This may affect the exchange of calcium and phosphorus. The decision on the appropriateness of the reception is taken by the doctor. Children infants prescribed supplement only in the absence of breastfeeding.

Mother's milk incorporates all the fats and components that are necessary for proper development. Dry mixes can not boast. Therefore, sometimes children on artificial feeding prescribe the drug in an individual dosage.

In addition to the unconditional dynamics of the mental and intellectual development of the child, fish oil can regulate the work of the gastrointestinal tract and the production of hormones, the failure of which can lead to weight gains, especially during puberty. Girls and boys often gain extra weight because of this dysfunction.

Also, fish oil strengthens the body and increases its resistance to infections and viruses. This is especially true for children who are preparing to go to kindergarten or school.

In addition to polyunsaturated fatty acids, the composition includes a number of vitamins and complex compounds of microelements.

One of the most valuable is vitamin D. It is responsible for the proper metabolism and production of calcium in the body. And this is the health of teeth and bones.

Which of the children should take the drug

Whether or not a child needs fish oil, the pediatrician decides. However, there are groups of children who need to take a biological component. They may have the following symptoms:

  1. Violation of the nervous system, frequent mood swings;
  2. Inability to memorize and reproduce the information received;
  3. Age incompatibility with physical parameters (growth, weight);
  4. Frequent colds and infectious diseases;
  5. Aggression, insomnia.

These are the most frequent symptoms, paying attention to which, parents should consult a doctor. Surprisingly, all of the above may well correct the course of taking fish oil. Of course, if the external manifestations do not hide the serious roots of illnesses in a child.

It is not necessary to prescribe the dosage and the course of treatment independently, without consulting a doctor.

Contraindications to receive

Disputes may arise on this issue, as this is a natural product, and not a chemical substance obtained through laboratory research. But, nevertheless, fish oil is not for all children.

It should not be used for patients with diabetes. In addition, there is a category of babies who are allergic to any seafood, this drug is also contraindicated.

Any diseases associated with dysfunction of the digestive organs, also serve as an obstacle to taking the drug.

There may be other contraindications. They are identified by a doctor before prescribing a course of taking the drug.

What fish oil to choose for a child

Everyone knows that the product has an oily texture and characteristic flavor. However, not many people know that there are two ways to get the drug. The first is that the component is harvested from fish liver.

Recently there are disputes. Ecology suffers and the waters are highly polluted, and the liver is an organ that filters all harmful and is a kind of shield for the organism of any living creature. Due to these factors, a new method has emerged. Fat began to get from the carcass of fish, applying cold extraction.

It’s not just environmental concerns. Fish oil from the liver and carcass differ in composition. Liver does not have omega-3 acids, but it is dominated by the concentration of vitamins A and D. Carcass fat does not have a vitamin component, but is rich in polyunsaturated acids. So, which fish oil for children is better to choose?

For the child should choose a better and proven drug. In addition, you need to resolve the issue about the form of release. In addition to the liquid, an encapsulated version appeared.

It is convenient, it is not necessary to tolerate the unpleasant smell and taste of the useful, but not very pleasant substance. Everyone remembers how they did not want to open their mouth and swallow this supplement in childhood. Capsules will relieve from this unpleasant procedure.

There are two well-known brands that produce fish oil for children. One of them is Kusalochka.

The manufacturer claims that Kusalochka is a tasty product. Chewing drug like a child and problems with the use will not arise. The product also undergoes a multi-stage cleaning system, which guarantees the absence of a specific taste and smell. Capsules can be chewed as marmalade, or swallow whole, depending on the desire of the baby.

Another famous and high-quality fish oil is Möller. Country of origin - Finland. The product is available in liquid form and capsules. There are classic and fortified variants.

For young children, there is chewing fat with fruit additives. Meller has a high cost, but a lot of positive feedback. This is a proven and high-quality drug for children.

The instruction is simple: if the child is not against the liquid form, the supplement should be taken before meals. Capsules can be drunk after or during a meal.

At what age can you start taking supplements

If necessary, an additive can be prescribed from 4 months of age. Parents can not prescribe the drug themselves. The dosage is also determined individually. But usually the duration of admission is at least a month. Next you need a break of about 4 months.

Fish oil should be taken regularly, otherwise there will be no therapeutic effect. You can not independently increase or decrease the dosage and course of administration.

How to store the drug

The liquid form of the drug is available in dark glass bottles. This is imperative, since light destroys all beneficial compounds and properties are lost. High temperature is also contraindicated. Therefore, liquid fish oil should only be stored in the refrigerator.

It is necessary to pay attention to the expiration dates and not to accept an expired product. The bottle must be tightly closed and do not let in air.

The encapsulated fat can be stored in the usual place without direct sunlight.

Side effects

The drug rarely gives side effects. Diarrhea may occur if you drink the drug on an empty stomach. That is why the advice of doctors say that fat is taken during meals.

The rest of the fortification should be successful and without adverse reactions. But the children's body may react unexpectedly, so parents should monitor the condition of the child.

If any abnormalities, the additive should be canceled and consult a doctor.

Fish oil for children: what does Dr. Komarovsky say?

Yevgeny Komarovsky has a rather mixed opinion about taking fish oil. He considers this a relic of the past, when the Soviet health system was insured and prevented many situations by prescribing unnecessary drugs.

The doctor says that this supplement may be necessary for children who do not have the opportunity to stay in the sun at all. These may be residents of northern cities. In other cases, the drug is not needed and vitamin D can be extracted from normal walks in the sundial.

This is the opinion of a famous pediatrician. However, Komarovsky does not mention the benefits of the drug to improve mental alertness and healthy growth. Therefore, one should not regard the point of view of Yevgeny Olegovich as the only true one.

Conclusion

Fish oil is perceived as a food supplement and it is not always fully understood that it is a drug.

It can harm if used improperly and can be of great benefit to the child if all the instructions are followed.

Modern pharmacology allows you to choose a convenient form of release, price range and even flavor additives. So that the useful supplement does not remain in the memory of the child, as a gloomy event.

Parent reviews

Olga Moscow: I gave my daughter's fish oil courses on the advice of a doctor. I do not know how and to whom he acts, but for my child, this was a real salvation. My daughter's teeth were crumbling, and we drank many vitamins, everything was useless. Having drunk several courses with breaks, we got rid of our problem. The only thing I want to say, my daughter and the capsules refused to swallow, that about liquid talk. Good thing I found fruit capsules. The child eats like candy and no nerves and hysterics.
Svetlana Samara: I have two children and both flatly refuse to eat fish. In what form I just did not cook it. I try to follow the nutrition of the whole family and am quite positive about taking vitamins, especially in the fall. My children drink the drug for only a week. There is no effect yet. The doctor said to drink about a month. Let's see if the effect will think so. I do not support opponents of this supplement. We drank and grew healthy in childhood. Our children won't hurt either.
Valentina Oryol: I gave my son a drug for 2 years. The doctor advised to strengthen the immune system. Honestly, I did not notice the effect. There was no harm, but there was no effect that could be described as a miracle either. I do not blame the supplement; perhaps my child needs another group of vitamins.
Sofia Krasnodar: We live in a sunny region, but I still give my daughter's fish oil. And for my sister's children I buy. I do not know, it seems to me, people have recently confused fish oil and vitamin D, although, in fact, these are different things. I prefer the development of mental abilities and intellectual stability. I have a daughter now in high school and they have a big load and a lot of information, and here, after all, helping the body cope with stress and better absorb the material. When my daughter was young, I also occasionally gave her this supplement. Honestly, I didn’t consult with the doctors. But I do not advise you to do this, it is better to consult with a pediatrician.
Tatyana Serpukhov: I bought a drug for my son in capsules. He refused to drink them. Then she bought Kusalochka and did not regret it, the son agreed only on them. I, like my mother, tried to give them myself before giving. I don’t know with what technology manufacturers can make it so that even chewing a capsule doesn’t feel a nasty fishy taste. Now I advise Kusalochka to her friends and relatives. I don’t wait for the effect, we don’t cure, but just arrange prevention. Still, this is a very old and proven tool. It is good that now children do not need to suffer and drink a liquid solution.

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