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OMEGA-3 - CHILD'S "BRAIN BOOSTER" OR PRODUCT MARKETING BOOSTER?

Many products found on store shelves today are infused with health-enriching omega-3 fatty acids; products such as yogurt, milk, bread, eggs and orange juice. The majority of people understand that Omega-3 fatty acids have a positive influence on our health and well-being. But because the typical Canadian diet includes few naturally occurring foods that contain Omega-3 fatty acids, we are deficient and need to get these fatty acids from other sources. Experts agree that it is important to feed Omega-3 foods to young children. The questions we need to ask are: do these infused products contain significant amounts of Omega-3 and are there better sources of these fatty acids?

Omega-3 fatty acids play a crucial role in brain function and in normal growth and development. They are considered essential and proper health depends on these fats. Omega-3 fatty acids are found in the membrane of every cell in the body but most cannot be manufactured by the body and as a result must come from the foods we eat.

There are three main types of Omega-3 fatty acids: alpha-linolenic acid = ALA (found in plant sources), docasahexanenoic acid = DHA and eicosapentaenoic acid = EPA (both found in fish). But DHA and EPA are deemed to be more valuable as these are the forms that the body requires for nutrition. It is possible to convert ALA found in plant sources like leafy green vegetables, soya and pumpkin seeds into DHA, but unfortunately, it does not convert efficiently. Therefore it is recommended to obtain both DHA and EPA though diet. DHA is important for optimal brain and eye development in infants and has been shown to support brain, eye and heart health throughout life.

Are all sources of Omega-3 equal? Not really. Sources of Omega-3 infused into products such as bread, yogurt, milk and eggs contain small amounts and may not be a significant source when consuming them on their own. Natural sources contain more Omega-3 and can be found in oily fish such as mackerel, salmon and fresh tuna. Fish sources are deemed to be a better source since they can be easily broken down and used by the body straight away. For those children that will not eat any of these fish and are over three years of age, serving them walnuts and almonds may be a good source as well as ground flaxseed, flax oil and cod liver oil. And today, fish oil supplements come in yummy berry flavoured gummy bears to entice young taste buds.

Feeding children Omega-3 infused products is a good idea, but check the nutritional facts and find out how much they actually contain. Adding flax or cod liver oil to a child’s diet is also recommended to keep them healthy and happy.