Elizabeth is an award-winning journalist who has written about everything from agave syrup to placebos to zero waste. She writes for the magazines Natural Health, Backpacker and FitPregnancy, among others, as well as a handful of websites, including Gaiam and Natural Medicine Journal. She also has coauthored a deck/book called The Mother’s Wisdom Deck, which will be published by Sterling Publishers and launching by Mother’s Day 2012.
Alas, there is no magic bullet to eliminate tantrums, grumpiness and rambunctious behavior, but taking a closer look at your child's diet can certainly help.
While there are plenty of foods to avoid, there is one nutrient, often taken in supplement form, that you should be sure to include. Dozens of studies have established omega-3 essential fatty acids as the dietary equivalent of a wunderkind that supports brain function and improves mood. According to the University of Maryland Medical Center, omega-3 essential fatty acids influence the ability of cells to transmit nerve signals and thus may affect cognitive behavior.
"Fatty acids are called 'essential' because our bodies can't make them, and they are necessary for basic health," says Roy Steinbock, MD, a holistic pediatrician practicing in Boulder, Colo. "Every cell in our body has fat. Our brains, nervous system and hormones in particular are nourished by large amounts of fats in each cell. The cells don't function optimally, nor communicate well, when we lack adequate amounts of fatty acids."
Omega-3 fatty acids include docosahexaenoic acid (DHA) and eicosapentaenoic acid (EPA). "They optimize brain cells and the transmission of info across cells, and therefore can have a huge effect on mood. I consider them as a preventative medicine for kids," says Jaclyn Chasse, ND, medical director of the Northeast Center for Holistic Medicine in Bedford, N.H.
A variety of research backs her up. A study funded by the National Heart, Lung, and Blood Institute of the National Institutes of Health, which was published in 2007 in Psychiatry Research journal, suggests that fatty acids influence mood, personality and behavior. And a 2010 study published in the Dutch journal Tijdschrift voor psychiatrie suggests that supplementing a child's diet with omega-3s may be a viable way to influence the healthy development of a child's brain.
"Enough research done on adults suggests that omegas would potentially be very effective for children," says Mary Fristad, PhD, director of research and psychological services at the Ohio State University Division of Child and Adolescent Psychiatry. The body of research is so convincing, Chasse adds, that roughly a decade ago, manufacturers began adding DHA to infant formulas because it's so critical to proper brain development.
Omega-3s are found in walnuts, flaxseeds and coldwater fish such as salmon, cod, herring, mackerel, sturgeon and anchovies, but it's hard to eat sufficient amounts, especially for children. "Kids eat crummy diets," Fristad says. "Most kids could benefit from supplementation."
There are omega-3–enriched eggs, but because these fatty acids are unsaturated, they are unstable to cook with, so the eggs are probably not worth the cost, Steinbock says. The best way to make sure your child gets enough fatty acids is to introduce them in supplement form, either as an oil, capsule or gummy supplement.
"Although studies have been inconclusive on what comprises the most appropriate dose," says Fristad, "judging from the literature, 1 to 2 grams of fish oils seem to work best." Steinbock says that while you don't want to overdose, fatty acids are very safe. He advises working with a good naturopathic physician or doctor to fine-tune amounts and trying to convince your kids to take omega-3s in the purest, least-processed form possible. "Oils, even the flavored ones, are more potent than gummies," Steinbock says.
Might-a-Mins® Spectrum Essential Omega 3
Primary Benefits of Might-a-Mins® Spectrum Essential Omega 3*:
- Supports brain health
- Helps to promote a healthy immune response
- Provides a healthy blend of two essential fatty acids, EPA and DHA
- No fishy taste; great fruit flavor
Omega-3 fatty acids (1 gram)
Omega-3 fatty acids are considered nutritionally essential for human health. DHA plays a very important role in supporting brain health and is a very important structural component of the brain phospholipids, as well as the lipids in the nervous system. In fact, about 60 percent of the brain is made up of fat, most of which is DHA (docosahexaneoic acid). Likewise, EPA (eicosapentaenoic acid) is an important fatty acid which promotes the health of the brain and nervous system. As the human body cannot naturally synthesize these fatty acids, they must come from the diet. Many children appear to be deficient in omega-3 fatty acids.*
- Kidd, P. Autism, an extreme challenge to integrative medicine. Part II: medical management. Alternative Medicine Review. 7(6): 472-499, 2002.
- Kidd, P. Omega-3 DHA and EPA for cognition, behavior, and mood: clinical findings and structural-functional synergies with cell membrane phospholipids. Alternative Medicine Review. 12(3): 207-227, 2007.
- Richardson, A. Omega-3 fatty acids in ADHD and related neurodevelopmental disorders. International Review of Psychiatry. 18(2): 155-172, 2006.
- Richardson, A. Long-chain polyunsaturated fatty acids in childhood developmental and psychiatric disorders. Lipids. 39(12): 1215-1222, 2004.
- Sinn, N., et al. Oiling the brain: a review of randomized controlled trials of omega-3 fatty acids in psychopathology across the lifespan. Nutrients. 2: 128-170, 2010.
- Stevens, L., et al. Omega-3 fatty acids in boys with behavior, learning, and health problems. Physiology & Behavior. 59(4): 915-920 (1996).
- Vancassel, S., et al. Plasma fatty acid levels in autistic children. Prostaglandins, Leukotrienes and Essential Fatty Acids. 65(1): 1-7, 2001.
Might-a-Mins Spectrum Essential Omega 3 contains ideal amounts of specific omega 3 fatty acids, which support your child’s brain health and immune function. Kids will like the delicious liquid-like emulsion because they won’t have to take hard-to-swallow pills; adults will like it because it allows for enhanced absorption and bioavailability for optimal absorption. Might-a-Mins Spectrum Essential Omega 3 contains no artificial colors, flavors or sweeteners – only the nutrients your children need.*
Omega-3 fatty acids are considered “essential”: they are vital for life and they are not able to be produced by the body. While most other nutrients – vitamins and minerals, for example – can be synthesized by the body, certain omega-3s (including EPA and DHA) cannot. They are especially important in childhood, when the brain – which is made up of approximately 60 percent fat – and immune system are developing.
Unfortunately, many children are not receiving adequate omega-3 fatty acids from food sources. According to the American Dietetic Association and the Dieticians of Canada, nine out of 10 children are deficient in the essential fatty acids EPA and DHA.
Children need ample amounts of omega-3 fatty acids to support their brain and immune health. Ensure your children receive the omega-3s they need with Might-a-Mins Spectrum Essential Omega 3.*
Related Terms: Omega 3, omega III, omegas for kids, kids omega, spectrum omega, essential fatty acids, brain health, immune support
Frequently Asked Questions About Might-a-Mins® Spectrum Essential Omega 3:Can adults take Might-a-Mins Spectrum Essential Omega 3?
Absolutely. The product can be taken by both children and adults. This tasty emulsion serves as a great alternate for adults who have trouble swallowing pills.
Can Might-a-Mins Spectrum Essential Omega 3 be mixed into juice, yogurt, ice cream or other food products?
Yes, the product can be easily mixed with juice or other foods, but it tastes great on its own!
Are there any benefits to taking omega 3 fatty acids in an emulsion instead of in a liquid or softgel?
Research has shown that emulsions of oil increase absorption of certain fatty acids, especially of EPA and DHA.
Can you take Might-a-Mins Spectrum Essential Omega 3 if you have a seafood allergy?
Since the product is derived from fish, you should not take it if you are allergic to seafood.
What is the source of fish in Might-a-Mins Spectrum Essential Omega 3?
The source of the fish oil is anchovies and sardines.
Does Might-a-Mins Spectrum Essential Omega 3 need to be taken on an empty stomach?
No, this product is not isotonic and, therefore, its absorption is not affected by an empty stomach.
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