Development and growth
Omega-3 essential fatty acids play an important role in children's growth. They are crucial for both brain health and the normal development of vision and the nervous system.
In pregnancy
By including them in a pregnant woman's diet, the benefits from omega-3 fatty acids begin in the womb, via the placenta. They contribute towards proper foetus development and help to prevent a range of growth, developmental and behavioural problems.
Improved brain function, intelligence and fine-motor skills, the prevention of allergies and eczema, and even emotions have all been attributed to sufficient omega-3 levels.
Research suggests that taking omega-3 fatty acids in pregnancy may:
- reduce the risk of premature birth
- protect against low birth weight and miscarriage
- prevent pre-eclampsia
- lower the risk of postnatal depression.
Babies and infancy
Mothers who have an omega-3 rich diet pass on the benefits of the fatty acids to their children via their breast milk. For example, long-chain docosahexaenoic acid (DHA) has been linked to better visual acuity in breast-fed babies.
Omega-3 fatty acids promote brain and eye development of babies.
In addition, premature babies who aren't breast fed are likely to be DHA deficient. Some research has found that if they then receive a DHA supplement, it could help improve brain function.
DHA continues to be important in infancy, for the normal development of:
• the eyes and vision
• the brain and nervous system.
Children and young adults
Omega-3 fatty acids and specifically DHA are believed to have numerous benefits in terms of:
- childhood intelligence
- hyperactivity and disorders such as attention deficit disorder (ADD) and attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD)
- focus, concentration, attention span and memory
- co-ordination and co-ordination disorders
- impulsiveness
- behaviour and learning issues
- brain and nervous system development.
Omega-3 fatty acids improve learning ability of children.
Furthermore, studies have shown that DHA supplements may help young people to deal better with mental stress. They also show fewer signs of aggressive tendencies than those who don't take them.
