Can Omega Fatty Acids Help Child Neurodevelopment?

Why Fatty Acids help Child Neurodevelopment

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How Omega Fatty Acids work for Child Neurodevelopment

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Omega Fatty Acids dose for Child Neurodevelopment

The Western or Standard American Diet (SAD) contains many sources of omega- 6 and omega-9 fatty acids, so people following that diet plan need to add more omega-3 to their diet.

Omega-3: The Food and Nutrition Board of the U.S. Institute of Medicine recommends that children take the following amounts of omega fatty acids:

*Infants can obtain an adequate intake of omega-3 fatty acids from their mother’s milk.

Omega- 6: The Food and Nutrition Board of the U.S. Institute of Medicine recommends that infants and children take the following amounts of omega-6 fatty acids:

*Infants can obtain an adequate intake of omega-3 fatty acids from their mother’s milk.

Omega-9: there is no adequate intake amount for omega-9 since the body can synthesize it by itself and people don’t need to obtain it from dietary sources. However, if the body does not obtain adequate amounts of omega-3 and omega-6, it cannot produce omega-9.

Note: Keep in mind that different health organizations set different standards for recommended intake values. They may also vary according to gender and age.

DOSAGE WARNING: Do not give your child excessive doses of any omega fatty acid.

Try to maintain the right balance of omega fatty acids in your child’s diet. If they consume more omega-6 than omega-3, it will cancel out omega-3’s health benefits and lead to health problems.

If you give your child an omega-3-6-9 supplement, ensure that the ratio of omega 3:6:9 in their diet is 2:1:1.

Always consult a doctor or healthcare expert to make sure you are taking a balanced ratio of omega-3, omega-6, and omega-9.

Fatty Acids for Child Neurodevelopment: Precautions

If you want to use PUFAs supplements for the neurodevelopment of infants and children, you should consider the following precautions:

1- People with certain medical conditions

People with the following medical conditions should take precautions and consult a doctor before they begin taking omega supplements.

- Diabetes: consuming excessive omega-3 fats may lower blood sugar levels. People who have diabetes should consult a doctor to determine the appropriate dose for their condition.

- A seizure disorder: consuming excessive omega-6 fats such as GLA may cause seizures in people who have a seizure disorder.

-Allergies: people who have allergies should take precautions before taking omega fatty acid supplements.

Many omega supplements come from fish sources, and people who are allergic to fish cannot take these supplements. Some supplements may also contain peanut and soy, which are also common allergens. 

2- Pregnant or Breastfeeding Women

Consuming excessive omega-6 fats may cause pregnant women to have pregnancy complications such as early labor and contribute to the poor development of the fetus.

Pregnant women should also avoid omega-3 because it affects their blood clotting abilities and increases the risk of bleeding. Also, some omega-3 supplements like cod liver oil contain vitamin A, which might be harmful to the fetus.

Pregnant and breastfeeding women should avoid omega-3 fish oil supplements that come from fish that contain high amounts of mercury, such as mackerel, swordfish, or tilefish because mercury may harm the baby.

3- Interaction with other Medications

Omega fats may interact with different medications and exacerbate certain conditions. Consult your doctor or healthcare provider before taking omega fatty acids supplements if you take the following medication:

- Anticoagulant medication: Omega fats can interfere with blood-thinning medication. Consuming excessive amounts of omega fats can cause blood thinning or excessive bleeding.

- Blood pressure medication: consuming excessive amounts of omega fats may lower blood pressure and interfere with blood pressure medication.

4- Vitamin A Toxicity

If you are taking omega-3 supplements, always check the amount of vitamin A. Some omega-3 supplements may contain very high amounts of vitamin A, which may cause vitamin A toxicity.

People should also avoid cod liver oil because it contains a high amount of vitamin A. They can substitute it with other omega-3 supplements that aren’t high in vitamin A like fish or krill oil.

Fatty Acids for Child Neurodevelopment: Side Effects

Omega-3 side effects

If you take omega-3, you may experience unwanted side effects such as an unpleasant taste in the mouth, bad breath, heartburn, nausea, gastrointestinal discomfort, low blood pressure, high blood sugar, diarrhea, headaches, and smelly sweat.

Omega-6 side effects

If you take omega-6, you may experience headaches, abdominal pain, nausea, and diarrhea. Omega-6 might also lower your blood pressure.

Omega-9 side effects

There are no known side effects to consuming omega-9 fats.

Side effects of the Omega-3-6-9 supplements

If you take an Omega-3-6-9 supplement you may experience the following side effects: burping, vomiting, diarrhea, constipation, nausea, and heartburn, loss of taste, skin rash, hives, itching, prolonged bleeding from cuts, and nosebleeds.

Consult your doctor if any of the following side effects appear.