Fish Oil Capsules Benefits
Some pediatricians seem wary of recommending fish oil for children. During infancy, when a child is being breastfed or taking DHA fortified formula, there is no need for or benefit of supplementation. With new DHA-fortified baby food, there should be no need for supplementation for several years.
But, by the time a child reaches the age of four, there is a definite need for supplementation. Surveys conducted by the Center for Disease Control and other public health agencies have shown that most kids and the majority of American’s are not meeting their minimum daily intake for omega-3s and other nutrients, such as vitamin D.
Practically any vitamin not found in enriched bread is missing from the average kid’s diet. But, even parents that are very careful about what their families eat have a problem that cannot be corrected without a good multi-nutritional supplement.
The problem is that fruits and vegetables are not as nutrient rich as they once were. Studies conducted first in Canada, then repeated in the US have shown that things like potatoes, carrots and peas have a lower nutritional value than had been originally estimated by the USDA and other agricultural services.
There is another problem that relates to the need for fish oil for children. That problem is the high mercury content in seafood and fish. Mercury exposure causes developmental disorders and behavioral problems, as well as severe illnesses.
Seafood meant to be eaten can only be tested randomly for mercury. So, even the “low-mercury” recommendations made by the Environmental Defense Fund and other groups might be accurate, but they might not.
A sample from a batch of oils meant to be used in a dietary supplement can be easily tested for mercury content. So, fish oil for children is ultimately safer than eating seafood, assuming that the manufacturer tests each batch.
If you are shopping for a supplement, be sure that the manufacture does conduct the testing. Purity and freshness should be guaranteed.
The price of a supplement is not always indicative of the quality. A high-priced product might be better, but it might not.
In order to judge the quality, before you buy, all that you need to do is read the nutrient facts. It should list the amount of omega-3s and the amount of the individual fatty acids; Docosahexaenoic acid and Eicosapentaenoic acid (DHA and EPA).
Remember that fish oil for children is no different than that for adults. Only the dosage is different. Most manufacturers recommend 2 capsules (2000mg) daily for adults and 1 capsule for children age 4 and up. 1000mg should provide a minimum of 280mg of DHA and 120mg of EPA. That’s what the better supplements contain.
DHA is the most important nutrient present in seafood. It is the only one that we can’t get from other dietary sources. So, when you are buying fish oil for children or for yourself, check the DHA content. If it’s lower than 280mg per 1000mg capsule, pick another brand.
I have found the best value of fish oil product made from Hoki. A fish found in the deep water of the pristine ocean off the coast of New Zealand, that is naturally high in DHA and EPA for less than $20 a month. To learn more about the benefits of Omega 3 Fish Oil Supplements made from New Zealand Hoki visit my website now.
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