There has been a lot of media attention in recent times about the importance of omega-3 fatty acids for our health and that of our children.  For those of us frustrated by the bombardment of 'shoulds' and 'should nots' constantly heralded by the health industry, it may be helpful to explain the benefits of this valuable supplement.

Fat in itself is not the evil substance as many would believe.  The body needs fat for many different functions.  It is important what type of fat we consume.  Too much saturated fat from animal products is not good for us.  Trans-fatty acids are also detrimental to our health.  These are found in margarines, fried foods and a lot of commercially baked goods such as pastries, crackers and cakes.  It is therefore important to watch what we, and in particular our children consume in the way of fat.

There has been much research about omega-3 fatty acids, also called 'essential fatty acids'.  The term 'essential' refers to the necessity of including these fats in our diet as they cannot be manufactured by the body.  As most children's diets are relatively low in omega-3 oils it is important to use supplements.

Fish oils contain significant amounts of two omega-3 fatty acids, EPA (eicosapentaenoic acid) and DHA (docasahexaenoic acid).  Research has shown that both of these, but in particular DHA, are very important for children.

The brain is an organ largely comprised of fat.  Fat is important as an insulator for the 'electrochemical' neuron (brain nerve cell) transmissions that enable every process in our body to occur.  This includes our cerebral functions. That is, all of our voluntary thoughts and consequent actions.

DHA comprises a large portion of the fat in the brain. Therefore it is essential for good brain development in all stages of childhood from pregnancy and breastfeeding through to teenage years.  DHA is also found in cell membranes throughout the body and is particularly important for their fluidity due to its more 'liquid' structure as compared to trans- and saturated fats which are more rigid in structure.  Without enough DHA in the diet the formation of young brains and bodies will not be optimal.

EPA is the other omega-3 fatty acid found in fish oils. Research has shown that EPA is important for the development of anti-inflammatory pathways in the body.  This is significant for many children who suffer from inflammatory conditions such as hay fever, allergies, asthma and skin conditions such as eczema.  Research has also indicated that omega-3 fatty acids may be beneficial for children with various disorders such as ADD/ADHD, dyslexia and behavioural problems such as hostility and aggression amongst other things.

If you are pregnant or breastfeeding you may want to begin supplementing with omega-3 fish oils for the benefit of your child.  Parents of children any age may also want to consider including omega-3 supplementation in their daily routine to ensure the best chance for optimal brain and body development.

HealthPost have a great range of leading brand Omega 3 children's development supplements available at discount prices in our Children's Development catalogue.

Check out the Nutra-Life Omega Smart Bites product listing for info on this great quality product.

The world's first Omega 3 School Trial is underway in NZ using Good Health O-Mega 3 Bursts.

View TVNZ's Close Up feature on the Omega 3 School Trial (high speed connection recommended).

We've also a huge range of Omega 3 supplements for adullts in our Omega 3 Fish Oil catalogue.

For more info about Omega 3 Fish Oil supplements, check out the following sites:

Efamol.com - heaps of quality information from the manufacturers of Efalex Eye & Brain Function.

The good oil on Omega 3 - Health & Herbs article on the benefits of Fish Oil vs. Flax Seed Oil

World experts agree - Health & Herbs analysis of the latest data concerning omega-3s from the International Society for the Study of Fatty Acids and Lipids (ISSFAL)

Glossary of Common Omega 3 Terms:

EFAs (Essential Fatty Acids)

Essential Fatty Acids (EFAs) are fatty acids that are required in the human diet. EFAs must be obtained through food because humans do not have the enzymes necessary to produce them internally.

Omega-3

Omega-3s (ω-3) are a family of unsaturated fatty acids which have in common a carbon-carbon double bond in the n-3 position; the third bond from the end of the fatty acid. Omega-3s fatty acids are considered essential because the human body requires them but is unable to make sufficient quantities. For this reason, omega-3 fatty acids must be obtained through the diet or supplementation.

EPA (Eicosapentaenoic acid)

Eicosapentaenoic acid (EPA 20:5 ω-3)  is an omega-3 essential fatty acid with a 20-carbon chain and five double bonds; the first double bond is located at the third carbon from the omega end. EPA is an essential fatty acid because the human body requires EPA but is unable to make sufficient quantities. Fish oil is the primary dietary source of EPA.

DHA (Docosahexaenoic acid)

Docosahexaenoic acid  (DHA 22:6 ω-3) is an omega-3 essential fatty acid with a 22-carbon chain and six double bonds; the first double bond is located at the third carbon from the omega end. DHA is an essential fatty acid because the human body requires DHA but is unable to make sufficient quantities. Fish oil is the primary dietary source of DHA.