If you walk around a supermarket you will see dozens of products that have omega 3 fatty acids added to them - cereals, candy, bread, milk and other dairy products. Much of this marketing is aimed toward children as well as adults. Specifically, some of the claims are that these omega 3s will help your child to develop faster mentally and learn quicker. Although over marketed, there is some truth to these statements. There are, however, better ways to get these benefits.
First, a little background. The additives that are most common are two omega 3 fatty acids called DHA and EPA. They come from fish oil, wild game, leafy greens and animals that eat leafy greens [not grains].
The American F.D.A. started allowing DHA to be added to baby formula in 2002. They joined dozens of other countries that had been allowing this for years. Just recently, China has joined the party and will allow both DHA and EPA to be added to infant and adult food. What these governments and agencies have acknowledged, is that increasing numbers of children need diet help in the form of omega 3 brain supplements to stop a growing problem - omega 3 deficiencies.
Why is this important?
Omega 3 fats are not the saturated fats we associate with obesity. They are part of every cell membrane in the body and are part of the barrier that keeps the contents of the cells intact. This means that every organ of the body is dependent on them.
Why are they touted as brain supplements?
EPA and particularly DHA are quick change artists. Because they are so flexible, they can quickly adjust to the excitable cells in the neurons of the brain and retinas of the eyes. Their ability to rapidly change shape billions of times per second allow nerve cells to send their rapid signals. If mom is teaching the child to read, their ability to see and understand comes courtesy of the omega 3s found in fish oil.
Is it more important for children?
Absolutely. In the third trimester, the brain of the fetus is growing at a rate of 250,000 nerve cells per minute. Without enough omega 3s from the diet, the fetus will not have enough building blocks for key mental and visual growth. This leads to:
1] a seven point difference in the Mental Development Index.
2] a one line difference in vision tests for children at one year of age.
3] increased risk of ADD and depression.
4] increased risk of skin problems like eczema.
What about moms need for brain supplements?
Right after the baby is born, moms DHA level drops dramatically. Most of it goes to her breast milk. This results in a much higher risk of post-partum depression.
What is the best solution?
Not depending on supplements for the brain from grocery additives is a good start. The omega 3s in quality fish oil supplements are more effective. Most people are unaware of how bad their deficiencies are. The F.D.A. thinks about two grams a day is needed just to stay even. No one will get anywhere near this amount from additives to bread or cereal.
Here is another issue. Omega 3s do not stay in the blood more than a few days. It is important to have a continuous supply in the diet.
Summing up. Do not rely on so called brain supplements or food additives. Concentrate your research on omega 3 fish oil supplements. My website can help in this area.
Author Resource:
Get my free five-part mini course on the benefits of omega 3, including critical information on why you should take omega3 fish oil .
To sign up for the course and get more tips on the importance of omega 3, visit my website: http://www.omega-3-guide.com/
![[Valid RSS feed]](http://www.look4articles.com/images/icon_Rss.png "XML Feed For RSS"){kind=icon}
Category Rss Feed
Print This Article
Add To Favorites
![[Valid RSS feed]](http://www.look4articles.com/images/rss.jpg "XML Feed For RSS")