The human body needs a wide variety of substances to operate to optimum effect. Some of these substances are produced naturally and some are extracted from food. In some cases people may opt to take supplements to boost their intake if they feel that this is necessary. In recent years there has been a lot of talk about fish oil supplements and the positive effects that they may have on the function of the brain.
What are the Benefits of Fish Oil?
Fish oil is a rich source of Omega-3 fatty acids such as EPA and DHA. These fatty acids can be brought into the body by eating oily fish and certain other foods but many people do not eat these foods regularly enough to produce all the Omega-3 that they need.
Fish oil and other sources of Omega-3 are responsible for specific areas of development within the body. They play a part in the way that the nervous system, brain and eyes develop, for example. It is perhaps this factor that has brought fish oil to the fore in recent years. There is some anecdotal evidence to show that taking fish oil supplements may improve concentration, focus and learning, especially in children.
Can Fish Oil Supplements Help Children With ADD/ADHD?
The scientific and medical establishments have not come up with conclusive proof that fish oil can help children to concentrate and to learn more effectively. There are, however, many parents who have given their children supplements and who believe that they have seen dramatic improvements in their behaviour and learning capacities.
Many parents of children who suffer from problems with hyperactivity, poor concentration and ADHD/ADD, for example, will give their children fish oil supplements to see if they can bring about some improvement. Some may see no real change but many do see a positive. It is thought that children with ADHD may lack essential fatty acids and the principle here is that boosting levels can help with their development.
Are Fish Oil Supplements Safe to Give to Kids?
Care should always be taken to take the right kinds of supplements in the correct dosage. Parents considering giving their child fish oil supplements should be careful to make sure that they do so responsibly. Building up too much of a supply of essential fatty acids in the body may not be a good thing.
It may be wise, for example, to make sure that any supplements given are suitable for use by children in the first place. Many products of this sort are actually specially designed for children and parents can always consult their doctor if they wish before making a decision on whether to take this route.
Parents of children with ADHD/ADD may also find the following articles useful:
- ADHD Study Shows That Instant Rewards May Affect Brain Like Drugs
- Do ADHD Positive Behavior Management & Reward Systems Work?
- Special Treatment for ADHD Kids Causes Arguments
Carol Finch - Carol Finch is the Topic Editor for Retirement Planning, Budgeting, E-Commerce & Technical/Business Writing on Suite101.
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