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Fish oil is cod liver oil obtained from the liver of the Atlantic cod. It is commonly taken as a dietary supplement and is packed with nutrients. It is one of the best sources of omega 3 fatty acids (EPA and DHA) and contains relatively large amounts of vitamin A and vitamin D. Fish oil is intended for use in children to strengthen the body’s immunity. Read how to use fish oil for children and its health benefits.
Fish oil for children – composition
Fish oil, or cod liver oil, is a popular fish oil supplement available in liquid and capsule form. This oil is rich in vitamin A, vitamin D and omega-3 fatty acids. Fish oil is used to treat many conditions, from high blood pressure to depression and some types of infections. Some people also use cod liver oil to help heal wounds.
As the name suggests, cod liver oil is an oil extracted from cod liver. This fish is usually available in cooler regions and the best known species are the Pacific cod and Atlantic cod. Cod is used all over the world, but is more popular because of its liver oil. This oil is believed to have tremendous health benefits. This belief is also supported to some extent by science.
Cod liver oil was first used medicinally in 1789 to treat rheumatism and then rickets in 1824. In the 30s, it was often given to children to help prevent rickets and other conditions caused by vitamin D deficiency.
Other fish oils are obtained from the tissues of deep-sea fish, including tuna, trout, mackerel, herring, salmon and cod. Cod liver oil comes exclusively from cod liver. It contains less omega-3 fatty acids than regular fish oils, but more vitamins A and D.
One teaspoon (5 ml) of cod liver oil contains the following ingredients:
- calories: 40 kcal,
- fat: 4,5 grams
- omega-3 fatty acids: 890 mg,
- monounsaturated fat: 2,1 grams,
- saturated fat: 1 gram
- polyunsaturated fats: 1 gram,
- vitamin A: 90% of the RDI (recommended daily intake),
- Vitamin D: 113% of the RDI.
Cod liver oil is extremely nutritious and one teaspoon provides 90% of the daily requirement of vitamin A and 113% of the daily requirement of vitamin D. Vitamin A performs many functions in the body, including keeping the eyes, brain, and skin healthy. Cod liver oil is also one of the best sources of vitamin D, which plays an important role in maintaining healthy bones by regulating calcium absorption.
See also: Eating oily fish reduces the risk of inflammatory joint disease
Fish oil for children – omega-3 fatty acids
Childhood is characterized by periods of rapid growth and development. Therefore, if children do not obtain the omega-3 fatty acids necessary for their development from the diet, they should be systematically fed with fish oil.
As EPA (eicosapentaenoic acid) and DHA (docosahexaenoic acid) are essential nutrients that are involved in many structural and functional activities in cells, they are considered essential for normal growth and development. Adequate levels of omega-3 help support children’s physical, cognitive and social development by:
- proper functioning of the brain and central nervous system,
- proper immune response and proper functioning of the respiratory system,
- regulation of focus and attention,
- cognitive skills.
Incorrect levels of omega-3 acids, including EPA and DHA, causes:
- difficulty focusing attention,
- problems with cognitive performance,
- abnormal immune response to environmental stressors.
The editorial board recommends: Diseases of the respiratory system that most often affect children
Fish oil for children – prevents rickets
Children’s cod liver oil is indicated for the prevention of the development of rickets. At one point, rickets was a common bone disorder caused by a severe vitamin D deficiency. In rickets, bones do not mineralize, leading to soft bones and skeletal deformities in children, including:
- bowed legs (oblique legs),
- thick wrists and ankles,
- protruding sternum.
The best source of vitamin D is sunlight, but people living in northern latitudes often don’t get much sun during the winter months. Before the discovery of cod liver oil, many children suffered from deformed bones. When mothers started including cod liver oil in their children’s daily routine, the incidence of rickets dropped dramatically.
Fish oil for children – eye protection
Cod liver oil is rich in vitamins A and D. Both of these vitamins are essential for the maintenance of healthy eyesight, especially among children. Vitamin A is especially important for maintaining proper vision. It is also an antioxidant and can prevent the damage that leads to glaucoma. Glaucoma is an eye disease that can damage the optic nerve. It can lead to blindness and even blindness.
It is believed that the high content of omega-3 fatty acids in children’s oil can improve blood flow to the eyes, keeping children’s eyesight strong and healthy.
Fish oil for children – health properties
Systematically used fish oil for children can prevent diseases of the upper respiratory tract, which are common in winter and spring, especially among children. Baby oil reduces the risk of ear infections. When combined with a multivitamin supplement, cod liver oil can help reduce ear infections in children. Baby oil can also be helpful in treating allergic rhinitis and eye diseases.
Omega-3 fatty acids, contained in tartar for children, can help reduce the symptoms of ADHD in children aged 7 to 12 years. Research also suggests that consuming cod liver oil early in life may help lower the risk of type 1 diabetes.
Fish oil for children – precautions
Baby oil can thin the blood, so people taking anticoagulants or other blood-thinning medications should not take it due to the risk of bleeding.
Baby oil is generally considered safe, as long as the child takes it in the recommended amounts specified on the product label. Always speak with your doctor and read product labels carefully before taking a new supplement.
Cod liver oil side effects include bad breath, heartburn, nosebleeds, and fish-flavored belching. Never try to force your infant or toddler to take an oil-based supplement as they may choke.
Fish oil is the safest way to give fish oil to children who are two years old. Although the packaging shows the method of administration, it is worth seeking the opinion of the pediatrician in advance, who will determine the most appropriate dose. There are various forms of fish oil for children on the market. In the form of capsules, syrup and even gummies. It can be natural or fruity.