Which fish oil is better to choose for a child - in capsules or liquid version in drops? Which fish oil to choose for children? Benefits, types of drug, reviews

Fish oil is an inexpensive, effective way to improve children's health. Children and schoolchildren do not really like this valuable product because of its specific smell and taste, but the benefits of liquid fish oil/capsules are enormous.

Regular use of this natural product is recommended for infants and older children. Rickets, increased nervous excitability, decreased immunity, depression, poor vision - this is not a complete list of problems for which fish oil is used in combination.

general information

The useful product is obtained from the liver/muscles of large fish that live in cold ocean waters. The largest percentage of valuable fat is provided by cod, Norwegian salmon, mackerel, and herring.

From the liver of cod weighing about two kilograms, 250 ml of white fat is extracted, which is used for medical purposes. The main supplier of the valuable product is Norway.

Compound

The positive effect on various organs/systems is easy to understand if you study the components that make up the oily liquid. Vitamins, minerals, valuable acids have a beneficial effect on bones, muscles, nervous, circulatory and other systems.

Main ingredients in fish oil:

• retinol (vitamin A). Accelerates cell regeneration, maintains the health of musculoskeletal tissue, mucous membranes, nails, hair, skin;
• vitamin D. A sufficient supply of this valuable substance ensures complete absorption of phosphorus and calcium, which ensure strong bones. Young children need vitamin D to prevent rickets;
• valuable minerals. The rich composition actively affects all systems. Fat from the liver and muscles of marine fish contains sodium, calcium, zinc, iodine, iron, magnesium, phosphorus;
• valuable Omega 3 and 6 fatty acids. The lack of these ingredients disrupts the production of insulin, without which proper hormonal and lipid metabolism is impossible. Lack of insulin provokes problems with the digestive tract. Omega 3 and 6 fatty acids support the health of the cardiovascular and nervous systems, increase the production of serotonin (the hormone of happiness), and improve brain function.

Note! Some manufacturers enrich the oily liquid or add another useful component to the capsules - tocopherol or vitamin E. The substance has a positive effect on the health of the skin, hair, nails, hormonal levels, and is a powerful antioxidant.

Release form

Previously, the natural product had only one variety: an oily liquid with a characteristic odor and specific taste. For this reason, most children tried in every possible way to stop taking this not very pleasant drug.

Now the situation has changed: taking a substance with active properties has become more comfortable. Children have to drink the traditional kind, but from the age of 7 they are allowed to consume fish oil in gelatin capsules, which contain valuable fat. The beneficial properties do not change, the size of the soft “container” is convenient for use. The child swallows the yellow-brown capsule without any discomfort.

Benefits and harms

Fish oil has long been successfully used in pediatrics. Regular consumption of oily liquid and capsules strengthens the child's body and increases resistance to disease.

Beneficial properties for children of different ages

What are the benefits of fish oil? Positive influence:

• strengthening bones and dental tissue;
• prevention/treatment;
• decreased nervous excitability;
• improvement of brain activity;
• normalization of the condition of hair and nails;
• disappearance of dry mucous membranes.

These are not all useful properties. There are other positive points:

• improved mood, decreased level of aggression;
• healthy sleep is restored, irritability disappears;
• acute vision is formed;
• the problem of seizures disappears;
• treatment/prevention of obesity by reducing bad cholesterol levels;
• excellent wound healing effect in the postoperative period;
• restoration of the level of vitamins A and D in the body;
• prevention of anemia (as one of the components);
• memory improves.

Against the backdrop of a long list of positive aspects, one should not forget about caution and a rational approach to prevention and treatment. Fish oil cannot be considered a panacea and should not be prescribed to children with the best of intentions.

Possible side effects

Everyone knows about the benefits of fish oil; proper use rarely causes negative reactions. Problems arise when there is an overdose or individual intolerance to individual components. The information that a natural product can be harmful comes as a revelation to many.

Remember that if used incorrectly or without taking into account contraindications, the active product is harmful to the growing body. Negative reactions appear, new symptoms are added to existing ones.

Occasionally certain signs appear:

• bad breath;
• decreased blood clotting;
• diarrhea;
• increased sensitization of the body.

In case of acute overdose, side effects are pronounced:

• dry mucous membranes in the mouth;
• bleeding gums;
• nausea;
• loose stool;
• dehydration;
• yellow or orange spots on the palms and soles;
• irritability;
• soreness inside the bones;
• hemolytic anemia;
• photosensitivity of the eyes;
• redness of the conjunctiva;
• increased fatigue;
• muscle pain;
• weight loss;
• thirst;
• drowsiness;
• general discomfort;
• frequent headaches;
• convulsions.

Conclusion: It is imperative to strictly adhere to the dosage and frequency of use. Measure the liquid carefully and give a certain number of capsules per day. The opinion “the more fish oil, the stronger the bones will be” is fundamentally wrong. With this approach to treatment/prevention, parents will unknowingly only harm their child.

Learn more about allergic reactions in children. Read about food allergies; there is a page written about urticaria.

Indications for use

This valuable product is prescribed for therapeutic/prophylactic purposes for the following problems:

• lack of vitamins D and A, especially in the autumn-spring period;
• bone fragility, rickets, poor muscle mass in children;
• eye diseases;
• for the speedy healing of broken bones, wounds, various types of ulcers on the body (oral administration);
• prevention of rickets, to strengthen teeth and bones in children;
• poor condition of the scalp;
• excessive dryness of mucous membranes and skin;
• erosion of the urinary tract.

Peculiarities of use in pediatrics

Before starting a treatment or preventive course, be sure to consult your doctor. The pediatrician will tell you the appropriate type (purified liquid or capsules), dosage, and optimal duration of use.

Important:

• liquid form is allowed at the age of 3 months and older;
• capsules are suitable for children from 7 years of age.

Read here about how to make a gauze diaper for a newborn with your own hands.

Contraindications

Never prescribe fish oil on your own initiative or on the advice of your neighbors. Not all children are suitable for a natural product.

Many contraindications apply to adults. Sometimes children, often school-age children and teenagers, are diagnosed with serious diseases of various organs. There are absolute/relative contraindications.

You should not take fish oil of any kind in the following cases:

• hemophilia;
• low blood clotting;
• hypercalcemia;
• pulmonary tuberculosis (severe form);
• calcium nephrourolithiasis;
• increased sensitivity of the body;
• chronic cholecystitis/pancreatitis;
• excess vitamins A, D;
• hypercalceuria;
• thyrotoxicosis.

Until certain diseases are cured, it is advisable to refrain from using capsules or liquid cod liver oil. Doctors do not recommend a useful product if a child is diagnosed with:

• jade (regardless of shape);
• liver and kidney diseases;
• decreased production of thyroid hormones by the thyroid gland;
• stomach ulcer;
• congenital heart pathologies.

Instructions for use for children

Capsules or liquid form are sold at the pharmacy. Always check the expiration date, buy a natural product from reputable manufacturers. If you doubt the quality of a substance, ask for a certificate.

Daily dose for children of different ages:

• from 3 to 12 months – half a teaspoon;
• from one to two years - a teaspoon;
• from 2 to 3 years – 1 or 2 teaspoons is enough;
• from 3 to 6 years – dessert spoon;
• 7 years and older – a tablespoon.

Advice! Give children an oily product during meals, when part of the dish has already been eaten, with their favorite porridge or cutlet, to overcome the specific taste of the liquid. For infants who do not receive complementary foods, the active substance is given in the second half of feeding.

How to take fish oil capsules? Upon reaching the age of seven:

• daily from 3 to 6 capsules. The older the child, the more capsules you can give;
• After eating, prepare a glass of cool or warm (not hot) water. Explain that the capsule must be swallowed quickly so that the gelatin does not melt or stick to the mucous membranes;
• The optimal course is 1 month. Then you need a break. The doctor will give further recommendations based on the condition of the little patient and the results of treatment.

Price

The price of fish oil is acceptable:

• capsules (from 30 to 100 pieces per package). Price from 96 to 190 rubles;
• oily liquid in a dark glass bottle. Volume 50 ml, price from 60 to 130 rubles.

Fish oil is an inexpensive, effective way to improve children's health. Children and schoolchildren do not really like this valuable product because of its specific smell and taste, but the benefits of liquid fish oil/capsules are enormous.

Regular use of this natural product is recommended for infants and older children. Rickets, increased nervous excitability, decreased immunity, depression, poor vision - this is not a complete list of problems for which fish oil is used in combination.

• general information
• Compound
• Release form
• Benefits and harms
• Possible side effects
• Indications for use
• Contraindications
• Price
• Reviews from parents

general information

The useful product is obtained from the liver/muscles of large fish that live in cold ocean waters. The largest percentage of valuable fat is provided by cod, Norwegian salmon, mackerel, and herring.

From the liver of cod weighing about two kilograms, 250 ml of white fat is extracted, which is used for medical purposes. The main supplier of the valuable product is Norway.

The positive effect on various organs/systems is easy to understand if you study the components that make up the oily liquid. Vitamins, minerals, valuable acids have a beneficial effect on bones, muscles, nervous, circulatory and other systems.

Main ingredients in fish oil:

• retinol (vitamin A). Accelerates cell regeneration, maintains the health of musculoskeletal tissue, mucous membranes, nails, hair, skin;
• vitamin D. A sufficient supply of this valuable substance ensures complete absorption of phosphorus and calcium, which ensure strong bones. Young children need vitamin D to prevent rickets;
• valuable minerals. The rich composition actively affects all systems. Fat from the liver and muscles of marine fish contains sodium, calcium, zinc, iodine, iron, magnesium, phosphorus;
• valuable Omega 3 and 6 fatty acids. The lack of these ingredients disrupts the production of insulin, without which proper hormonal and lipid metabolism is impossible. Lack of insulin provokes problems with the digestive tract. Omega 3 and 6 fatty acids support the health of the cardiovascular and nervous systems, increase the production of serotonin (the hormone of happiness), and improve brain function.

Note! Some manufacturers enrich the oily liquid or add another useful component to the capsules - tocopherol or vitamin E. The substance has a positive effect on the health of the skin, hair, nails, hormonal levels, and is a powerful antioxidant.

Release form

Previously, the natural product had only one variety: an oily liquid with a characteristic odor and specific taste. For this reason, most children tried in every possible way to stop taking this not very pleasant drug.

Now the situation has changed: taking a substance with active properties has become more comfortable. Children have to drink the traditional kind, but from the age of 7 they are allowed to consume fish oil in gelatin capsules, which contain valuable fat. The beneficial properties do not change, the size of the soft “container” is convenient for use. The child swallows the yellow-brown capsule without any discomfort.

Benefits and harms

Fish oil has long been successfully used in pediatrics. Regular consumption of oily liquid and capsules strengthens the child's body and increases resistance to disease.

Beneficial properties for children of different ages

What are the benefits of fish oil? Positive influence:

• strengthening bones and dental tissue;
• prevention/treatment of rickets;
• decreased nervous excitability;
• improvement of brain activity;
• strengthening the immune system;
• normalization of the condition of hair and nails;
• disappearance of dry mucous membranes.

Find out more about the symptoms and treatment of gastritis in children.

Methods for treating laryngitis in children at home are described in this article.

These are not all useful properties. There are other positive points:

• improved mood, decreased level of aggression;
• healthy sleep is restored, irritability disappears;
• acute vision is formed;
• the problem of seizures disappears;
• treatment/prevention of obesity by reducing bad cholesterol levels;
• excellent wound healing effect in the postoperative period;
• restoration of the level of vitamins A and D in the body;
• prevention of anemia (as one of the components);
• memory improves.

Against the backdrop of a long list of positive aspects, one should not forget about caution and a rational approach to prevention and treatment. Fish oil cannot be considered a panacea and should not be prescribed to children with the best of intentions.

Possible side effects

Everyone knows about the benefits of fish oil; proper use rarely causes negative reactions. Problems arise when there is an overdose or individual intolerance to individual components. The information that a natural product can be harmful comes as a revelation to many.

Remember that if used incorrectly or without taking into account contraindications, the active product is harmful to the growing body. Negative reactions appear, new symptoms are added to existing ones.

Occasionally certain signs appear:

• bad breath;
• decreased blood clotting;
• diarrhea;
• increased sensitization of the body.

In case of acute overdose, side effects are pronounced:

• dry mucous membranes in the mouth;
• bleeding gums;
• nausea;
• loose stool;
• dehydration;
• yellow or orange spots on the palms and soles;
• irritability;
• soreness inside the bones;
• hemolytic anemia;
• photosensitivity of the eyes;
• redness of the conjunctiva;
• increased fatigue;
• muscle pain;
• weight loss;
• thirst;
• drowsiness;
• general discomfort;
• frequent headaches;
• convulsions.

Conclusion: It is imperative to strictly adhere to the dosage and frequency of use. Measure the liquid carefully and give a certain number of capsules per day. The opinion “the more fish oil, the stronger the bones will be” is fundamentally wrong. With this approach to treatment/prevention, parents will unknowingly only harm their child.

Learn more about allergic reactions in children. Read about food allergies here; about urticaria is written on this page.

Indications for use

This valuable product is prescribed for therapeutic/prophylactic purposes for the following problems:

• lack of vitamins D and A, especially in the autumn-spring period;
• bone fragility, rickets, poor muscle mass in children;
• eye diseases;
• for the speedy healing of broken bones, wounds, various types of ulcers on the body (oral administration);
• prevention of rickets, to strengthen teeth and bones in children;
• poor condition of the scalp;
• excessive dryness of mucous membranes and skin;
• erosion of the urinary tract.

Peculiarities of use in pediatrics

Before starting a treatment or preventive course, be sure to consult your doctor. The pediatrician will tell you the appropriate type (purified liquid or capsules), dosage, and optimal duration of use.

Important:

• liquid form is allowed at the age of 3 months and older;
• capsules are suitable for children from 7 years of age.

Find out how to treat and what allergic rashes on the body of babies look like.

How to properly dress a child in the spring is written at this address.

Read here about how to make a gauze diaper for a newborn with your own hands.

Contraindications

Never prescribe fish oil on your own initiative or on the advice of your neighbors. Not all children are suitable for a natural product.

Many contraindications apply to adults. Sometimes children, often school-age children and teenagers, are diagnosed with serious diseases of various organs. There are absolute/relative contraindications.

You should not take fish oil of any kind in the following cases:

• hemophilia;
• low blood clotting;
• hypercalcemia;
• pulmonary tuberculosis (severe form);
• calcium nephrourolithiasis;
• increased sensitivity of the body;
• chronic cholecystitis/pancreatitis;
• excess vitamins A, D;
• hypercalceuria;
• thyrotoxicosis.

Until certain diseases are cured, it is advisable to refrain from using capsules or liquid cod liver oil. Doctors do not recommend a useful product if a child is diagnosed with:

• jade (regardless of shape);
• liver and kidney diseases;
• decreased production of thyroid hormones by the thyroid gland;
• stomach ulcer;
• congenital heart pathologies.

Instructions for use for children

Capsules or liquid form are sold at the pharmacy. Always check the expiration date, buy a natural product from reputable manufacturers. If you doubt the quality of a substance, ask for a certificate.

Daily dose for children of different ages:

• from 3 to 12 months – half a teaspoon;
• from one to two years - a teaspoon;
• from 2 to 3 years – 1 or 2 teaspoons is enough;
• from 3 to 6 years – dessert spoon;
• 7 years and older – a tablespoon.

Advice! Give children an oily product during meals, when part of the dish has already been eaten, with their favorite porridge or cutlet, to overcome the specific taste of the liquid. For infants who do not receive complementary foods, the active substance is given in the second half of feeding.

How to take fish oil capsules? Upon reaching the age of seven:

• daily from 3 to 6 capsules. The older the child, the more capsules you can give;
• After eating, prepare a glass of cool or warm (not hot) water. Explain that the capsule must be swallowed quickly so that the gelatin does not melt or stick to the mucous membranes;
• The optimal course is 1 month. Then you need a break. The doctor will give further recommendations based on the condition of the little patient and the results of treatment.

Price

The price of fish oil is acceptable:

• capsules (from 30 to 100 pieces per package). Price from 96 to 190 rubles;
• oily liquid in a dark glass bottle. Volume 50 ml, price from 60 to 130 rubles.

Reviews from parents

Many mothers know about the benefits of valuable fat and give their babies liquid form and capsules. Reviews about fish oil are positive. The result of treatment depends on the regularity of use: this point was noted by most women.

Cases of overdose are rare, because it is not easy to get children to drink more than the norm of a not very pleasant oily liquid. Always start with the minimum dose and gradually increase to normal. Mothers are advised to start taking it at three months so that the baby gets used to the taste of the healthy product.

It is better to give the oily liquid with a product that the child will happily eat regardless of the taste, for example, pour over a cutlet. Mothers are advised to talk to older children and tell them that their bones will be fragile and their hair will be thin if they don’t drink fish oil. It is important to explain, to find the best version of the story, and not to put pressure on the psyche, intimidating with dire consequences.

Another tip from moms: ask for healthy fat. Try not to frown too much, say that you also want to have strong bones.

Fish oil will be beneficial if you follow the rules of administration. Be sure to consult your pediatrician to find out if there are any contraindications. Give an oily liquid or capsules taking into account the age of your son/daughter, take into account the restrictions, remember about overdose and side effects. Regular use of this natural product will improve your health and support your growing body.

Video about the benefits of fish oil for children:

Many of us were “scared” of fish oil in childhood, although, however, they did not forget to explain that it is very useful for the child’s body. We did not agree with this statement, since there was nothing more disgusting than this fat for most boys and girls.

Today, fish oil for children is produced in very attractive forms - as part of fruit gummies, lozenges that smell like strawberries, raspberries, and vanilla. Therefore, there is no need to scare anyone with this very fat. Why, why and whether this product should be given to modern children is told by authoritative pediatrician, candidate of medical sciences Evgeniy Komarovsky.

Properties

Fish oil is a natural product obtained from the liver of cod fish. It is always liquid. The color ranges from light yellowish, almost colorless, to deep red-orange. This criterion depends on the liver of which species of cod fish it was obtained from. In addition, this product is extracted from fatty fish species that live in the cold northern seas - mackerel, herring.

Fish oil has a rather distinct specific odor - more or less strong, depending on the amount of clupanodonic acid it contains. The value of the product lies in the vitamin D it contains, as well as Omega-3 fatty acid. The latter promotes the synthesis of serotonin, the so-called “hormone of happiness”, and therefore the consumption of fish oil in food has a beneficial effect on a person’s mood and psychological background.

In addition, Omega-3 reduces the risks of developing cardiovascular diseases and diabetes. Glycerides, which form the basis of the product, promote normal digestion and metabolism, which is the prevention of obesity, since glycerides are involved in the breakdown of fats that come with food. Vitamins improve the condition of hair, skin, and nails; in particular, vitamin D is needed for the absorption of calcium and normal bone growth.

Story

Fish oil is the nightmare of all children growing up in the Soviet Union. Pediatricians of that time believed that children’s food did not contain enough polyunsaturated acids, and the incidence of rickets, due to a lack of vitamin D, was high. Therefore, the government at the highest level decided to introduce preventive measures unprecedented in scope. As a result, fish oil in its pure form with its characteristic smell and taste was forcibly given to all children in kindergartens and schools.

In 1970, these measures were suspended due to the fact that scientists came to the conclusion that the seas were polluted, and the product obtained from cod fish was not more environmentally friendly, and it did less good than harm. In 1997, this idea was abandoned, again allowing children to take fish oil, but no longer on a forced basis, but on a completely voluntary basis.

Komarovsky about the product

Why children were given fish oil in Soviet times is quite understandable, says Dr. Komarovsky. The incidence of rickets was indeed higher then. But this is due not so much to a deficiency of vitamin D in the diet of Soviet infants, but to the widespread artificial feeding of ordinary cow's milk.

Vitamin D is produced in the human body when the skin is exposed to ultraviolet rays (sunlight). It helps calcium to be absorbed. If there is not enough vitamin, calcium metabolism is disrupted, which leads to improper bone development.

The need to give fish oil was, first of all, due to the fact that vitamin D did not exist in any other form: there were no synthesized preparations, and not every region has enough sunlight to get the required amount of vitamin. In addition, feeding on cow's milk caused the leaching of calcium, because there were no adapted mixtures then.

This fully explains why fish oil was strongly recommended for infants, pregnant women, and nursing mothers. Is it necessary to give fish oil to pregnant women and babies today? This is a controversial question that everyone must answer for themselves. In general, according to Evgeny Komarovsky, this is a very useful product; harm from taking it is possible only if the dosage is significantly violated.

Do children need it?

Despite the many positive properties, the question of using fish oil for modern children is not so categorical. Indeed, today vitamin D deficiency itself is not such a common situation. For all children who are at risk due to the likelihood of developing rickets, pediatricians prescribe "Aquadetrim"– an aqueous solution of vitamin D, which is given in certain strict dosages. When administered to a child, it is enough to swallow one drop of the drug, which is much easier than drinking a whole spoonful of liquid and unpleasant-smelling fish oil.

In addition, the need for vitamin D is covered by eating adapted milk formulas, into which it is necessarily included by all baby food manufacturers.

Sometimes pediatricians prescribe an oil solution to their young patients of any age, including newborns. "Vigantol", which not only replenishes vitamin D deficiency, but also regulates the exchange of calcium and phosphorus in the body.

Thus, there is no need to give your child fish oil. But if you want, you can feed it to your baby, the main thing is to choose the right product.

How to choose

Fish oil is not a recognized official medicine, and therefore its production is not regulated by strict norms and standards. Buyers can only hope for the honesty of the manufacturer, who will not add anything unnecessary to it, and will thoroughly clean and filter the product.

There are several selection rules:

• If your goal is to buy liquid fat, then be sure to look for the word “Medical” in the name. It is important that the purchased fat is not intended for veterinary or household use. This information, sometimes written in very small print, can be found on the label.
• If you carefully consider your choice, you will notice that there are not only fish oil on sale, but also “fish” oil. This is not a typo, but two fundamentally different products. Fish oil contains more vitamins, fish oil contains more Omega-3. The choice is yours.
• If you plan to buy fish oil in capsules, then it is better to choose capsules made from fish gelatin. It is optimal to buy children's capsules in which manufacturers have added fruit flavors - they will make the eating process more enjoyable. In addition, the dosage of the product in such capsules is already designed for children's use.

The shelf life of fish oil is about 2 years. After this period, it loses the lion's share of its beneficial properties. For a child, it is advisable to choose products from time-tested and reviewed manufacturers. Of the foreign ones, these are Norwegian enterprises, and of the Russian ones, Murmansk fish factories.

Dosage for children

It is believed that the useful and safe dosage of this product for children under one and a half years old is calculated by the formula: 60 mg of fat per kilogram of the child’s weight. From one and a half years to 15 years, the daily dose is less, it is calculated by the formula: 30 mg per kilogram of weight. On average, a nursing mother needs about 300 mg of the product per day. It is important to avoid overdosing on vitamin D.

The child’s body does not always receive all the necessary components for growth and proper development along with food. In this case, the use of natural preparations that contain the required substances is indicated. These products include fish oil, a valuable source of vitamin D and Omega 3 polyunsaturated fatty acids.

Beneficial features

Fish oil, which is extracted from the liver and meat of fish of the cod family, looks like an oily liquid substance of a yellowish color with a sharp, characteristic odor. For centuries, this product has been actively used to improve health. In the Soviet Union, fish oil was compulsorily given to children in kindergartens, hospitals, and children's sanatoriums.

The growth and development of a baby begins in the mother’s womb, and before the child reaches 15-16 years of age, the cells of his body divide, multiply and mature at a high rate. From infancy to adolescence, metabolism has time to change qualitatively and quantitatively, and regulatory systems are intensively rebuilt several times.

In order for the cells of the body to maintain the necessary activity of division and maturation, they require a large amount of building material. In the process of building cell membranes, lipids are used; vitamin A is required for normal cell division; the absorption of calcium and a number of other important substances is significantly reduced without vitamin D. Fish oil contains all these important components.

This product is also rich in polyunsaturated fatty acids, which enhance brain function, improve performance, and serve as a source of energy, thanks to which the child develops and learns more actively.

With regular use of a fish oil-based drug, it is easier for children to cope with the workload at school. And at an earlier age, they quickly master basic knowledge and skills and develop well.

Fish oil for children is extremely beneficial because:

• Unsaturated fats help the body absorb fat-soluble vitamins A, K, D, F, E.
• Vitamin D promotes the absorption of phosphorus and calcium, due to which it is necessary for strengthening bone tissue and proper formation of the skeleton. Deficiency of this vitamin in childhood leads to the development of rickets.
• Vitamin A strengthens cell membranes. First of all, this is important for children prone to allergic reactions due to increased sensitivity of cells. With a deficiency of vitamin A, visual acuity decreases, the mucous membranes dry out, the nail plates split and become brittle, and the hair splits.
• Vitamin E is a powerful antioxidant, essential for proper muscle function. With its deficiency, blood clotting is impaired.
• Phosphorus promotes the growth of bones, teeth, and is necessary for the proper functioning of the kidneys and central nervous system.
• Iodine is involved in many processes necessary for the normal functioning of the body. At an early age, iodine deficiency provokes developmental abnormalities and mental retardation. Lack of iodine in children of primary school age manifests itself in the form of lethargy, apathy, decreased intelligence, and increased drowsiness.
• Omega 3 polyunsaturated fatty acids are important for the formation of brain cells, strengthening the immune system, normal development and functioning of the cardiovascular system. A deficiency of fatty acids results in delayed growth and development of the child, increased fatigue, and decreased performance.

Indications for use

Experts classify fish oil as a product approved for use by children from a very early age. But you should not give the drug to babies without consulting a pediatrician, since the child may have contraindications.

Doctors prescribe Omega 3 fish oil for children in the following cases:

• neuropsychological development disorders;
• slow growth;
• hyperactivity;
• reduced immunity;
• diseases of the organs of vision;
• memory problems;
• lack of vitamins D, A;
• increased irritability and sleep disorders;
• presence of allergies;
• congenital heart disease;
• undergone surgery or long-term illness to restore the body;
• increased dryness of the skin.

In all these cases, the doctor must determine the dosage and duration of taking the drug.

Fish oil is good for infants and bottle-fed babies. The drug, in particular, is used to prevent rickets. A formula-fed newborn does not receive the fatty acids necessary for development in the regular formula.

Contraindications

The main contraindication is seafood intolerance. People with fish allergies should not consume fish meat itself or the fat contained in the meat or liver.

The list of contraindications also includes:

• hypervitaminosis (usually an increased content of vitamins is a consequence of improper or uncontrolled intake of vitamin complexes);
• renal failure;
• chronic liver diseases;
• active tuberculosis;
• the presence of ulcerative lesions of the duodenum and stomach.

Harm from taking the drug

Fish oil can cause an allergic reaction, especially if the drug is taken by a child under one year old whose digestive system has not yet established the production of the necessary enzymes.

In infants, even a minimal amount of the drug (prescribed drop by drop) can cause digestive upset, which manifests itself in the form of loose stools. To reduce the risk of dyspepsia, fish oil is added to the baby’s usual food.

It is important to pay close attention to the amount of the drug that the child receives. An overdose of fish oil cannot happen, since the volume of fat itself is consumed in any case relatively small. The danger lies in an overdose of the vitamins included in its composition.

A sign of hypervitaminosis can be indigestion - the child often develops abdominal pain and nausea. Hypervitaminosis can provoke an exacerbation of chronic pancreatitis and cholecystitis. Negative manifestations stop when the drug is discontinued.

An excess of fish oil in the diet can cause the most serious harm to infants in the first months of life. Hypervitaminosis of vitamin D provokes accelerated growth of bone tissue, as a result of which the fontanel on the baby’s head may close earlier than expected. This is fraught with a number of problems, including increased intracranial pressure in the child.

Instructions for use

Since fish oil is a pharmaceutical agent, it should not be taken as a regular dietary supplement. The drug is used as prescribed by a specialist. The course is designed for several weeks, during which the child’s body receives such an amount of vitamins and nutrients to compensate for their lack. The treatment process should be monitored by a pediatrician - he determines the duration of the course and dosage based on the needs of the child.

Manufacturers produce fish oil in capsules and liquid form. The liquid drug is convenient to give in minimal dosages; it is suitable for treating infants and children under 2-3 years of age. From the age of three you can give capsules.

You can start taking fish oil when your baby is one month old. Usually 3 drops of the product are prescribed twice a day. The volume gradually increases and by the age of one year reaches one teaspoon twice a day. By the age of two, fish oil is given two teaspoons twice a day.

If Omega 3 is used in capsules, their quantity per dose depends on the volume of the capsule. The manufacturer indicates in the instructions the recommended doses for children of all ages.

Regardless of the form of release of the drug, fish oil should not be given to children on an empty stomach, so as not to provoke digestive upset or an allergic reaction. This is especially important to consider if children use the drug in capsules.

Selection criteria, storage conditions

Liquid fish oil. When purchasing, carefully read the label. Buy your child only a product intended for children! Drugs “for adults” are produced according to different technical regulations; the manufacturer can reduce the cost of raw materials or technology, which affects the quality and safety of fish oil.

Children's fish oil is deodorized, so it does not have an unpleasant taste or odor. However, if your baby is under one year old or is prone to allergies, try to find a product that does not contain flavorings.

Be sure to pay attention to the following parameters:

• the bottle should be made of dark glass, since Omega 3 oxidizes when exposed to sunlight;
• fat should be poured under the stopper - the less air in the container, the lower the risk of fatty acid oxidation;
• The release date should not be too long ago; choose a drug with a reserve for the expiration date.

Store the bottle of fish oil in the refrigerator, tightly closing it each time. This will significantly slow down the oxidation process of fish oil with loss of beneficial properties.

Fish oil capsules, benefits and harms. For production, well-purified, deodorized fish oil and an edible gelatin shell are used, which easily dissolves in the stomach.

Capsules can be chewed. The advantages of the capsule form include:

• strict dosage (the volume of capsules is fixed, which makes it possible to accurately calculate the dose of the medicine);
• ease of use (you can take it with you on trips or long walks, there is no risk of greasy stains on clothes or surrounding objects);
• complete absence of contact of fish oil with air thanks to the capsule and protection from light in packaged form (the drug does not require storage in the refrigerator, you can put it in a medicine cabinet);
• quality guarantee (unlike a liquid product, a capsule drug is difficult to counterfeit and therefore not economically profitable);
• attractiveness for children (children over the age of three often refuse to drink medicine from a spoon, but they eat capsules that resemble candy with pleasure).

Which option is better to choose, liquid or capsule? Depends on the age of the children. For infants, only the liquid form is suitable, while an older child may be able to give preference. However, we must not forget about the potential harm of the capsule drug. Some manufacturers, in order to achieve the palatability of fish oil, add sweeteners, dyes, and flavors to the capsules.

When choosing fish oil, keep in mind that such additives are harmful to the health of children. In addition, the child begins to perceive fish oil not as a medicine, but as a delicacy, and may take the opportunity to eat an uncontrollably large number of capsules, as is often the case with children's vitamins.

Products from popular manufacturers

The use of supplements is not the only factor to consider when choosing fish oil. It is important what raw materials the drug is made from, since fish can accumulate a high concentration of heavy metals in the fat. For this reason, drugs produced in the countries of the Southeast region are not recommended.

Manufacturing technology is also important - a high-quality product is obtained by low-temperature purification and processing, since heating destroys a significant part of the beneficial substances contained in fish oil.

Deodorization allows you to almost completely rid a product of its specific taste and smell.

The following brands of drugs are popular on the Russian market:

• Moller (liquid fish oil from the liver of the Norwegian teca, contains flavoring);
• Finnish Omega-3 fish oil (capsule and liquid);
• "BIOKontur" (capsule and liquid Russian preparation, deodorized, without additives);
• “Fish” (in capsule form, without additives);
• “Magic Fish” (a Russian-made liquid preparation, without additives, the bottle is equipped with a convenient dropper cap);
• “Kusalochka” (chewable capsules, contain flavorings).

A wide selection of drugs allows you to find fish oil suitable for a child of any age. But before purchasing a product for a baby, make sure that the manufacturer has indicated that the drug is suitable for children under one year of age. Some manufacturers, playing it safe, overestimate the lower limit of the permissible age, so it is recommended to ask your pediatrician for the specific name of a suitable product for the baby.

Subscribe to our group

The human body, especially the growing one, needs omega-3 polyunsaturated fatty acids (PUFAs) and vitamins A, D, E. Scientific studies that have been carried out since the 70s of the last century in the USA and Canada have revealed the beneficial effects of omega-3 on the heart. –vascular and nervous system, brain development, human visual functions.

Vitamins are the building blocks of life processes, helping metabolic function (D), protecting cells from harmful influences (E) and participating in oxidative processes, cell formation (A). These components must be supplied in sufficient quantities when eating, which is not always realized in practice. Fish oil for children is used to ensure normal growth and development of the body.

What are the benefits of fish oil?

In the modern world, the benefits of fish oil for children are undeniable. However, it is necessary to know the dosage, contraindications and types of the drug. If it is possible to include sea fish rich in PUFAs in the child’s diet from the family of salmon, herring, mackerel, and eels 2-3 times a week, then the body will have enough vitamins and acids contained in it. But children do not always agree to consume such amounts of fish, or the family cannot afford the cost of a fish menu.

The substance consists of complex components:

• polyunsaturated omega-3 acids;
• vitamins A, D, E.

During the Soviet Union, fish oil was given to children in preschool institutions and at home. The main reason was the presence of vitamin D in the product, which is important for the normal absorption of calcium in the body of children. In the mid-20th century, there were no artificial vitamin D supplements.

When the skin comes into contact with ultraviolet rays, vitamin D is produced. A lack of this vitamin leads to abnormalities in the development of bone tissue and rickets, especially in residents of northern regions where there are few sunny days a year. To prevent skeletal diseases, liquid fish oil was given to Soviet children.

Fish oil can be either liquid or in capsules

What does a child’s body need?

How is fish oil good for children and for what purposes is it intended? Let's look at the beneficial properties of this substance:

• stimulation of metabolic processes thanks to PUFAs, leading to a high-quality supply of blood supply and nutrition to the human brain tissue, which gives positive effects in his intellectual development and assimilation of new knowledge;
• improving the ability to concentrate, attention and perseverance in children;
• active production of serotonin reduces stressful situations - children are less capricious, sudden emotional swings in adolescence disappear, mood improves;
• frequent unhealthy diet (pizza, fast food, hamburger, chips, etc.) leads to increased cholesterol in the blood, which decreases in the presence of omega-3 acids, as well as normalization of a teenager’s body weight;
• children's fish oil contains vitamin A, which improves the quality of color perception by the eyes and vision at dusk;
• the body's immune functions improve (resistance to viral and microbial infections);
• the participation of vitamin D in the normalization of calcium and phosphorus metabolism leads to the healthy formation of skeletal bone tissue and tooth enamel in children.

Can it be given to children?

It is believed that children not only can, but also need to periodically include PUFAs and vitamins in their diet. But in the case of a nutritious diet of seafood, if the child does not suffer from diseases for which it is recommended to take the supplement, it is possible to do without the drug. Parents should consider this issue with their child's doctor before purchasing fish oil for their child.

The situation is a little different with newborn babies. Why do children need fish oil during infancy? The specialist prescribes the intake and dosage of the drug during artificial feeding, when the mother does not have milk, taking into account the level of closure of the fontanelles and other factors. A baby under 6 months of age does not consume solid food; the only option is liquid fish oil for children. Therapy is prescribed from approximately 4 weeks of age.

Contraindications

In order to know whether children can take fish oil, it is important to consider contraindications to its use. Many manufacturers do not indicate them completely. Let's consider the main ones:

• decreased blood clotting (hypocoagulation) and hemophilia;
• the drug tends to reduce blood clotting; it should not be taken before surgery or in the presence of non-healing wounds;
• individual intolerance;
• sarcoidosis of the lungs and other organs;
• presence of increased levels of calcium in the urine (hypercalciuria);
• hypercalcemia;
• gallbladder diseases, in particular chronic cholecystitis;
• inflammation of the pancreas (chronic pancreatitis);
• presence of kidney disease (renal failure);
• signs of hypervitaminosis in a child;
• hyperfunction of the thyroid gland (thyrotoxicosis);
• long-term immobilization;
• active form of pulmonary tuberculosis;
• acute liver diseases;
• children under 3 months.

Parents' decision to use fish oil should be based on information about the benefits and harms of this product for children.

Which one is better to choose?

There is a large selection of dietary supplements and it is very difficult to know which fish oil to choose for children. The benefits of a substance depend on the maturity of its manufacturing technologies, so it is necessary to give preference to well-known large manufacturers.

For example, the Norwegian product is one of the most environmentally friendly, as it is isolated from fish living in clean water, unpolluted by industrial facilities.

Which fish oil is best for children should be decided by their parents. There are two methods for making the dietary supplement - from fish liver (usually the cod family) or from fish fillet.

A product made by the second method will contain more PUFAs and fewer vitamins and microelements. Its advantage is the smaller amount of harmful impurities concentrated in the liver of oceanic fish.

Depending on the purpose of taking the supplement (replenishing the body with vitamins or fatty acids), you need to choose the type of product. It is better to buy liver fish concentrate from a manufacturer who purifies the product well and uses environmentally friendly raw materials.

The drug is available in capsules and liquid form. Fish oil capsules for children are odorless and retain their properties better and longer. The gelatin capsule easily dissolves in the baby's intestines and is taken with food. But there are age restrictions for children who can swallow the capsules. The youngest patients will have to be given a non-packaged product.

Now manufacturers offer a line of products - children's fish oil in capsules and unpackaged, with different flavoring sweeteners (their naturalness is verified in the product certificate). Sometimes it also includes a number of vitamins, so consulting with a pediatrician when purchasing such a drug will not hurt.

How to take capsules with health benefits?

Adults need to know how to take fish oil capsules for children. If a child does not like the taste of a substance (there are exceptions to the rule), then it is better to offer him a capsule type of dietary supplement.

The dosage and period for which it is prescribed depend on the purpose of taking the drug. For general prevention in winter or spring (with a lack of sun and vitamins), the supplement is drunk for a month. When treating anemia or other diseases, it is prescribed in combination with other drugs, sometimes for a longer period.

Currently, 2 types of preparations are produced with a high content of vitamins or omega-3 fatty acids - this must be taken into account when purchasing the product. How to give fish oil to children and what type is up to adults to decide together with their doctors.

Dosage

It is advisable to buy a capsule product intended for children because it is already packaged in single doses intended for the child. Before taking it, be sure to read the instructions and dosage of fish oil for children. The daily dose for children over 6 years of age is 1.5 - 3 g of the drug.

For infants from 3 months, the doctor prescribes a dose of the drug in proportion to the weight, gender and health status of the small patient. Usually a few drops twice a day, gradually increasing the dose. When the baby reaches 1 year old, you can give him 0.5 - 1 teaspoon per day or the appropriate amount of the drug in capsules, pouring it into a spoon. Accordingly, the older the child, the greater the amount of supplement he is given. For children from 3 years old, the product is offered a dessert spoon 2 - 3 times a day, and from 7 years old - a tablespoon.

After 4 to 6 weeks of taking the drug, a break is usually taken for at least 3 months, then, if necessary, a second course of fish oil therapy in capsules is possible with benefits for children.

Be sure to pay attention to the expiration date of the product. The fresher it is, the better qualities it will have. After opening, liquid fat must be stored in a dark glass container in the refrigerator. Capsules, too, are best stored in a cool, dark place to avoid loss of the beneficial properties of the drug.

Is there any harm possible?

Do children need fish oil, given the fact that it can bring not only benefits, but also harm? A dietary supplement cannot be useful for absolutely everyone, so it is used more often on the recommendation of a doctor, and caution does not hurt here. It should not be taken by people with an allergic reaction to seafood, especially fish.

For people with elevated levels of fat-soluble vitamin D, taking the drug may result in hypervitaminosis. Unlike water-soluble vitamins, excess amounts of which pass into and out of a person's urine, vitamin D remains in a person's fat tissue. The body becomes intoxicated with by-products that arise during the processing of excess vitamins of this group with the following symptoms:

• pain in the head and weakness;
• joint pain;
• gastrointestinal upset with possible nausea and vomiting;
• lack of appetite.

With prolonged exposure to hypervitaminosis, calcium deposits on human internal organs (kidneys, blood vessels, heart, lungs) are possible.

Fish oil is a natural substance obtained from the liver of cod fish. Why should you drink it? It contains components such as vitamin A, vitamin D, and the most valuable component for human health - omega-3 fatty acids. Very useful vitamin A, which is found in large quantities in fish oil. It is indispensable for women, since first of all it has a beneficial effect on hair, nails and skin. Vitamin D, in turn, transports calcium and phosphorus to the cells of the body.

This element is necessary for the body, as it is responsible for the health of teeth, bones and the functioning of the nervous system.

As for polyunsaturated fatty acids, they are essential for our body. The fact is that the body itself is not capable of producing this substance, but the body must receive it. Therefore, fish oil is of particular value for human health.

Benefits for children

Surely most of us remember this unpleasant, one might say disgusting, taste of fish oil from childhood; for many, taking such capsules (or in liquid form) was a test. But nowadays, you don’t have to torture yourself anymore, since fish oil is available in capsules that are odorless and have no unpleasant taste. It is very useful for children; one gram contains a large amount of vitamin A and D, as well as calcium, iron, bromine, iodine, manganese, magnesium and chlorine.

The positive effect on the human body is known all over the world:

1. First of all, the benefit of fish oil is that it is used for prevention of rickets in children. Today, this disease is common among children aged from 2 months to 2 years. The fact is that the body does not have enough vitamin D, the lack of which causes problems with cell growth. Fish oil contains a large amount of this vitamin, which ensures normal bone growth, strengthens the immune system and prevents muscle weakening.
2. It is also recommended to give to school-age children, since due to polyunsaturated acids brain function improves. These acids form and develop brain tissue and stimulate intellectual development.
3. In many Western countries, omega-3 fats are added to regular foods such as diet foods, butter, and margarine. The fact is that polyunsaturated fatty acids contained in fish oil contribute to the production of prostaglandins, which in turn Boost immunity and help the body cope with infections and have an anti-inflammatory effect.
4. Regular use will help children cope with stress and aggression, as it promotes the production of serotonin, which is known to be the hormone of happiness.

How to take it correctly for children

You can start giving children from four weeks of age 3-5 drops twice a day. Over time, the dose increases to 1 teaspoon per day. If the child is one year old, then he can safely be given 1 teaspoon of fish oil per day, from two years old - 1-2 teaspoons, from three years old - one dessert spoon, and from seven years old - 2 tablespoons 3 times a day. day.

Best taken with food, it is also worth remembering that fish such as salmon, tuna, mackerel, lake trout and herring are best. Doctors have determined that the daily intake of fish for a child should not exceed 350 grams.

Also found in oil form, it is used to treat damaged areas of the body, such as burns and wounds.

Fish oil for joints

The joints of every person need fats, since if there is a lack of this substance, the joint tissues lose their elasticity, which ultimately leads to tissue rupture. These fats are also a joint lubricant; they cover the rubbing cartilage surfaces and reduce their wear. The most important omega-3 fats are found in fish, so people who live by the sea and eat fish never suffer from joint pain. If you are faced with this problem, then it is better to take fish oil in combination with anti-inflammatory drugs for a quick recovery.

To prevent this disease, it is recommended to eat salmon, tuna or trout at least twice a week. If you don’t really like fish or you don’t have time to prepare it, then you can safely take fish oil in capsule form; they are practically odorless and tasteless.

How to take it correctly for adults?

It happens both in liquid form and in capsules; in capsules it is better to take it in accordance with the instructions on the package. Of course, it is best to consume this product in liquid form, as it is a more natural product. The dosage of fish oil is determined by the doctor depending on the disease and many other factors. Giving to children without consulting a doctor is strictly prohibited.

The main thing to remember is that you need to take it more than once, as this will not bring any results. It should be used in courses, usually one course lasts from 1 to 3 months. This drug should be stored in a cool, dark place, especially for the liquid form of the drug.

If you are taking fish oil to prevent diseases, then 15 ml of this product per day will be sufficient. Do not forget that fish should be consumed during meals, but not before or after it.

Video about medicinal properties

Fish oil is indicated for children to saturate the body with fatty acids and vitamins, since food does not always provide all the necessary substances for the harmonious development and growth of the child. Sometimes additional sources of vitamins, minerals and essential amino acids are required. From this article you will learn what fish oil can be given to a child, at what age drops and capsules, how to choose the best company that produces fish oil.

In the Soviet Union, children were given fish oil en masse in kindergartens and schools as a healthy nutritional supplement. But in the 70s, scientists discovered that fish oil was contaminated with harmful impurities (mercury, dioxide, etc.) due to environmental pollution, and it was no longer produced until 1997. From now on, fish oil manufacturers are responsible for its composition. Fish oil must comply with GOST 8714-2014 (Edible fat from fish and aquatic mammals), in addition, manufacturers can additionally enrich the drug with vitamins and essential amino acids. We have already talked about the benefits of fish for children, now we will find out how fish oil is beneficial for a child.

A child’s body, unlike an adult’s, is constantly growing and requires building material. Therefore, it is so important that the baby receives all the necessary nutrients, vitamins and minerals. Fish oil contains vitamins A, D, E and unsaturated fatty acids: Omega-3, Omega-6 and Omega-9.

Beneficial properties of fish oil:

Indispensable for the development of a child's brain due to the presence of fatty acids.

Increases performance, improves learning ability, helps children cope with school workload.

Promotes better absorption of fat-soluble vitamins.

Can be used to prevent the development of rickets, as it contains vitamin D, which promotes the absorption of phosphorus and calcium.

Provides healthy eyes, hair, nails and skin due to its vitamin A content.

Fish oil increases mental abilities, strengthens the immune system, and prevents the development of vascular and heart diseases due to its vitamin E content.

Fish oil has a powerful antioxidant effect, which means it prevents the occurrence of cancerous tumors.

Improves the functioning of the cardiovascular system.

Indications for use

The doctor prescribes fish oil with Omega-3 for children:

With a violation of neuropsychological development;

With hyperactivity syndrome;

With reduced immunity;

With a disease of the organs of vision;

With memory and learning problems;

With increased dryness of the skin;

With increased irritability, nervousness, tearfulness;

With sleep disorders;

Who are on artificial feeding;

After a long illness and operations.

As we can see, fish oil is a very useful drug, but it can only be prescribed by a doctor, and it has a number of contraindications.

Harm of fish oil for children

It can cause allergies in a child, as it is made from seafood.

A child may experience diarrhea and a specific smell from the mouth with regular use of fish oil.

Another negative quality is the taste of fish oil, which is very nasty and children do not like it. But many manufacturers add flavoring additives that make the taste of fish oil more pleasant.

Contraindications

Seafood intolerance and fish allergy

Hypervitaminosis

Kidney failure

Pancreatitis

Cholecystitis

Ulcer of the stomach and duodenum

Reduced blood clotting

Thyrotoxicosis.

Composition of fish oil

Fish oil consists of 70% oleic acid (omega-9), 25% palmitic acid, and omega-3: 15% docosohexaenoic acid (DHA), 10% eicosapentaenoic acid (EHA) and 5% docosopentaenoic acid. Omega-6 in fish oil contains up to 5%, and it also contains small amounts of capric, butyric, acetic, valeric and some other acids.

Fish oil contains cholesterol, lipochrome fat pigment, organic compounds of sulfur, iodine, phosphorus, bromine, and nitrogenous derivatives.

Fish oil also contains vitamins A, D and E.

Omega-3 and omega-6 essential fatty acids (entered into the body only from food) are the main components for which fish oil is prescribed to children. They are necessary for the formation of brain cells, normal functioning of the cardiovascular system and the development of immunity. A deficiency of essential fatty acids can lead to retardation in physical and mental development, delayed speech development, decreased performance, poor learning and memory, and sleep disturbances. Polyunsaturated fatty acids promote the absorption of fat-soluble vitamins A, K, D, F, E.

Types of fish oil

Fish oil can be produced from the liver of marine fish or from the fat of perimuscular tissue.

Liver fish oil

Fish oil from fish perimuscular tissue

This fat contains high amounts of omega-3 fatty acids and vitamin E, and lacks vitamins A and D. It can be taken long-term as a dietary supplement. This is what is prescribed to healthy children for prevention.

Plant based fish oil

This is not real fish oil, it is made from vegetable oil (sunflower, olive) and has added omega-3, omega-6 and omega-9 acids and vitamins. This product can be taken by children with allergies to fish and seafood.

Manufacturers enrich fish oil with additional fatty acids and vitamins, so be sure to study the composition before purchasing.

Release forms

Liquid fish oil

Liquid fish oil has a limited shelf life because fatty acids oxidize when exposed to oxygen in the air, meaning fish oil becomes unhealthy over time. Therefore, after opening the package, it can be stored in the refrigerator for no more than 3 months. In addition, packaging for liquid fish oil should be made of dark glass, since fatty acids are destroyed by sunlight. On the plus side, it is easy to give to small children in a teaspoon or syringe, but the unpleasant taste can discourage them from taking fish oil and even cause nausea.

Fish oil capsules

Fish oil capsules help get rid of the unpleasant taste, but the child must be able to swallow well, and this is after the age of 3 years. With capsules, you can accurately follow the dosage, unlike liquid fish oil, where you can overfill or underfill. The shelf life of encapsulated fish oil is significantly increased, and the fatty acids in the capsules do not come into contact with oxygen. The gelatin capsule is opened directly in the stomach.

In addition, fish oil can be sold as a medicine and as a dietary supplement. It is better to choose a medicine, since the quality of testing for medicines is much higher, and manufacturers of dietary supplements may not write the entire composition on the label.

Liquid fish oil is approved for use from 3 months, and capsules can be taken after 3 years if the child chews and swallows large pieces of food well.

How and what kind of fish oil to give to children

Fish oil is given to the child during meals along with food. The drug and dosage are selected by the attending physician, since fish oil, which should be given to children, is a medicine, not a dietary supplement.

First, the child is given a minimum dose of the drug and gradually increased to a therapeutic dose, monitoring the child’s health. If allergic manifestations appear, the drug should be discontinued immediately and consult a pediatrician.

Note! Fish oil in any form liquid or capsules should never be given on an empty stomach, as it can cause digestive upset and cause an allergic reaction.

Daily requirement for vitamins and fatty acids by age

How to choose the best fish oil for your child

Before purchasing please note:

1. For shelf life and quality of packaging.

2. What is fish oil made from - from the liver or from the meat of sea fish or has a plant base.

5. Docosohexaenoic and eicosapentaenoic omega-3 acids are very important for the growth and development of a child, so it is good if they are contained in large quantities.

6. Pay attention to additional additives: dyes, flavors. For children under one year old, it is better to buy without them, as they can cause allergies.

7. Pay attention to the technology for producing fish oil. Preparations obtained through low-temperature cleaning and processing are of higher quality compared to heat treatment, since heating destroys most of the useful substances.

Which fish oil manufacturer is better?

Let's compare the composition of fish oil from the most famous companies represented on the Russian market in terms of the amount of the most essential substances present in it: omega-3 and in particular eicosapentaenoic and docosahexaenoic acids and vitamins A, D, E, C. For convenience, we have made a table.

As we can see from the table, the composition and content of nutrients in fish oil differs greatly from different companies.

Some manufacturers have additionally enriched the composition of fish oil with vitamins B and C. If the drug is intended for children, then it is positioned as for brain development and performance, and if for adults, then as for improving the cardiovascular system, although they have an active base one omega-3 fatty acid.

The best fish oil for a child is the one he needs at the moment. For example, Moller liquid fish oil with a high content of vitamins and omega-3 is well suited for treating a child with hypovitaminosis and developmental delays, and Kusalochka fish oil can be prescribed to a child with a lack of vitamin A (poor vision, brittle nails, dry skin), liquid or encapsulated fish oil NFO as a preventive measure or for children with poor memory, who get tired easily, and have trouble falling asleep.

Overdose of fish oil in children

Since fish oil contains vitamins A, D and E in large quantities, an overdose can occur on these vitamins. Even though they are together, they weaken each other's toxic effects.

If you do not exceed the doses prescribed by your pediatrician, an overdose will never occur. But if you systematically abuse it and take more than the age limit per day or drink the entire bottle of fish oil at once, you can get acute or chronic poisoning. Therefore, be sure to follow your doctor’s recommendations and read the instructions, which contain doses by age.

If you give your child fish oil, you should not give him other medications that contain vitamins. In addition, do not forget that vitamin D is produced under the influence of ultraviolet rays. In the summer, it is better not to take fish oil with a high content of vitamin D.

Fish oil that does not contain vitamins, even with a large overdose, will not lead to serious consequences, at most diarrhea and a slight decrease in blood clotting. But it’s still worth consulting a doctor.

Acute poisoning (the child drank the entire bottle of fish oil)

If your child has drunk a lot of fish oil with a lot of vitamins, then you need to:

1. Call an ambulance.
2. Induce vomiting if less than an hour has passed.
3. Give the child activated carbon in a dose of 1 g per 1 kg of weight.

In case of chronic poisoning, you should stop giving the child fish oil and other preparations with vitamins and show the child to the doctor.

conclusions

Fish oil is very useful for children and is necessary for brain development, increased performance, and strengthened immunity, so it should be given to small and large children.

Fish oil for children should be prescribed by a pediatrician, since there is a high risk of getting an overdose of the vitamins included in its composition. You can only take fish oil without vitamins on your own, and it’s better after consulting a doctor. It is best to choose drugs that are classified as medicines rather than dietary supplements, as they undergo quality control. The prescribed dosage should be strictly observed, taking into account the age of the child.

Fish oil is an oil extracted from fatty fish, primarily cod liver. It is a thick light yellow or brownish transparent liquid. The folk remedy has a specific taste and smell, but it also contains vitamins A, B2 and D, polyunsaturated fatty acids, and phosphatides. Treatment with fish oil is so effective that it must be forgiven for all its taste properties

Why is it beneficial for children and adults to consume fish oil?

Natural fish oil is a general tonic. A sufficient amount of vitamin D and A is very important for the human body for normal human life. These important vitamins are found in fish oil. It also contains

• oleic acid,
• palmitic acid,
• polyunsaturated fatty acids (omega 3).

Fish oil helps strengthen human teeth and bones, improves the immune system, skin condition and vision. Its use helps prevent the onset of Alzheimer's disease (senile dementia). This drug generally improves mental performance, concentration and learning ability.

Fish oil should be consumed to strengthen the immune system, prevent and treat hypo- and vitamin A deficiency, diseases associated with metabolic disorders in the body. Fat reduces the risk of developing cardiovascular diseases - atherosclerosis, hypertension, thrombosis, stroke or myocardial infarction. Treatment with fish oil is used for tuberculosis and diabetes. Giving fish oil to children and adults is recommended for vision problems. It accelerates the healing of bone fractures. Fat is essential for treating persistent respiratory problems.

Additionally, reports show the benefits of fish oil for pregnant women. Regular use of the product eliminates the risk of prematurity.

Fish oil in the prevention of rickets in children

Children are recommended to consume fish oil to prevent rickets. Vitamin D, which is contained in fish oil, improves the condition of cells, regenerates them, improves immunity, promotes bone development and growth. Taking the drug helps heal deep wounds and helps speed up the process of bone healing after injuries and fractures.

But a deficiency of this vitamin in the body can provoke the development of serious diseases such as osteoporosis and rickets.

Rickets occurs quite often in children under 2 years of age, so consultation with a specialist and prescription of the drug is necessary. It is also important to observe the dosage, because it affects the children's body differently. To give fat to a child, the height, weight, and gender of the child must be taken into account.

How to properly give fish oil to adults and children?

Currently, manufacturers have improved it and produce it in capsules. They are much easier and more pleasant to take because they do not have such an unpleasant taste and smell as before. Some children can take fish oil capsules without problems, while some may not even be able to swallow the capsules.

Help your child place the fish oil capsule directly at the back of the mouth. Ask him/her to have the baby drink water and swallow a water tablet.

You can also open a fish oil capsule with scissors or pierce it and squeeze the contents onto a spoon for a child who cannot swallow capsules. Have your child swallow the fish oil by placing a spoon in their mouth.

Fill the syringe with the medicine from the fish oil capsule if you cannot train your child to drink the medicine from a spoon. Place your baby on his back on your lap. Tilt his head so that he is looking at the ceiling. Open your mouth, insert the syringe and squeeze the contents into the back of your mouth so that the fat goes straight into your throat.

You can also add fish oil to food or drink by opening capsules and adding it to applesauce, yogurt, sauce, ice cream, juice or smoothie.

In what dosages should fish oil be given to children?

Children who eat fish two or more times a week should not take high doses of fish oil. There is a very small risk of overdose, but too much fish oil can cause stomach upset in children.

Children can only be given fish oil when they are one year old. This is due to the fact that vitamin D3 is not absorbed at this age and can cause allergic reactions. The daily norm for a one-year-old child is 1 teaspoon, starting from two years old – 2 teaspoons. With increasing age, the daily norm increases.

The course of treatment is generally approximately 30 days, no more, because an excess of vitamins is as unfavorable as its deficiency. Over the course of a year, it is enough to consume fish oil for 3 courses, and this will be sufficient for both treatment and prevention of diseases in a child. Take fat capsules before eating. During the course of therapy, also take vitamin E; combining them prevents fatty acids from oxidizing in the body.

For prevention, experts advise consuming fat in the cold season, because in hot weather it can become rancid. For those reasons, it must be stored in a cool place (up to +10), that is, in the refrigerator.

In what cases should fish oil not be used for treatment?

It should not be used by people who have diseases of the biliary tract and liver, gastritis and asthma.

Fat is also contraindicated for those who have an excess of vitamin D and calcium in their bodies.

Fish oil is not compatible with aspirin, so you should not take both drugs at the same time, as it may cause bleeding from gums and other wounds.

It is very important to know that you should never consume fish oil on an empty stomach, as this can cause gastrointestinal disorders.

Men should remember: uncontrolled long-term use of fish oil disrupts the structure of the testes, which can lead to infertility.