| According to a study published in Pediatrics in 2005, | | | | Helping ADHD Issues and Other Learning Disorders |
| fish oil might be a good addition to a child's diet for a | | | | Several studies have shown that using fish oil |
| number of reasons. This study suggested that learning | | | | supplements in children with ADHD, dyslexia and ADD |
| problems and behavioural problems at schools might | | | | issues is nearly as effective and even more effective |
| be directly related to the amount of essential fatty | | | | in some traditionally used medications � like Ritalin. |
| acids (as found in fish oil) in the child's diet. By studying | | | | Because the supplements help the body with cellular |
| over a hundred children between the ages of 5 and 12, | | | | function, it stands to reason that fish oil might be able |
| the study found that children improved their intelligence | | | | to help with deficiencies that are leading to problems |
| and behaviour within three months of consistent | | | | with attention. In the study published in Pediatrics, |
| supplementation. In fact, this study proved to be so | | | | children that took the fish oil supplements showed |
| persuasive that some schools considered implementing | | | | increases in good behaviour, while those that took |
| a supplement program as a part of the UK school | | | | placebos did not show any improvement. When the |
| curriculum. | | | | children that were given the placebos were then given |
| Why Does a Child Need to Take Supplements? | | | | the fish oil, they began to have fewer problems with |
| It would seem that children would be the least likely | | | | ADHD issues. |
| candidates for starting supplement regimens. With their | | | | Boosting Test Scores for Your Child |
| high levels of health and energy, many parents think | | | | In addition, the study showed that spelling and reading |
| that their children are developing normally and that | | | | skills progressed as normal rates for those that were |
| nothing more is needed so long as they are not sick. | | | | given a placebo for their supplement. But those that |
| However, this could not be any further from the truth. | | | | took fish oil noticed greater improvements in the same |
| Fish oil contains essential fatty aids, which are | | | | period of time. There were also boosts in the short |
| chemicals the body can not produce on its own. In | | | | term memories of those that took the fish oil |
| order to ingest these nutrients, the child would need to | | | | supplements. With the improved brain function and |
| eat foods that contain the essential fatty acids. With | | | | ability to concentrate, children were able to recall |
| the introduction of processed foods and fast foods, | | | | words more easily and retain that information for |
| this is becoming less and less the case. These foods | | | | longer periods of time. |
| contain little, if any, nutritional value, leading to essential | | | | How Much Fish Oil Should a Child Be Given? |
| fatty acid deficiencies. | | | | Of course, the next question is how much fish oil a |
| When the Child is Still Growing and Developing | | | | child should be given in order to see the kinds of |
| Though supplementation can begin when the child is of | | | | results shown in this particular study. It is advised that |
| school age, this is not the only time when fish oil can | | | | children and adults have one portions of 500mg of fish |
| be introduced. Pregnant women that take fish oil | | | | oil perday. This can be given in the supplement form or |
| supplements during their pregnancy will more likely | | | | via fish, nut, and seed sources. When the child is taking |
| have children that score higher on tests and have | | | | in primarily fish based sources of essential fatty acids, |
| more fully developed brains and nervous systems. This | | | | the amounts should be carefully monitored. |
| development reduces the risk of ADHD and other | | | | Conclusion |
| learning disabilities, while also helping to keep moods | | | | It is safe to conclude that fish oil is a safe and |
| balanced and positive for the child. The mum can also | | | | effective supplement to give to children that are still |
| help the child with their development by taking in | | | | growing and developing. In those with ADHD or ADD |
| supplements of fish oil when they are breast feeding. | | | | issues, this supplement may be able increase the child's |
| These essential fatty acids can also be fortified into a | | | | attention and focus, while also improving their |
| formula for the baby as well. | | | | intelligence and test scores. It is important to note that |
| Adding fish oil and essential fatty acids to the regular | | | | fish oil supplements should be free of excessive levels |
| diet for the child can aid in further development during | | | | of mercury to prevent any toxicity issues � |
| the crucial younger years. Because the most growth in | | | | especially in the smaller bodies of children. |
| the brain and nervous system is happening in childhood, | | | | Adding fatty fishes like mackerel, tuna, herring, kipper, |
| adding these kinds of supplements will allow the body | | | | and salmon to the diet a few times a week can help |
| to develop normally and to its fullest potential. | | | | to make your child another star pupil. |