No one doubts how beneficial liquid fish oil is for children. Which is better to choose a source of omega-3 acids for the younger generation?
In order to answer this question, we analyze the features of the mineral and vitamin composition of this product. Let us dwell in more detail on the recommendations of pediatricians that will allow you to choose the best fish oil for children.
Important points
Doctors are convinced that in the absence of individual intolerance, fish oil must be included in the diet of children from 1 to 14 years old. The daily dose of omega-3 acids for children under 14 years of age should be 0.5-1%, and in adolescents reach two percent.
In addition to iodine and phosphorus, this product contains vitamin D2 - ergocalciferol. It is he who controls the phosphorus-calcium metabolism in the body. This vitamin is not synthesized under the influence of sunlight, but in sufficient quantities it is part of fish oil. That is why pediatricians from different countries recommend the use of a dietary supplement with this important component for children from the age of three.
D2 value
Ergocalciferol significantly simplifies the absorption of calcium by the body, which is especially important before the age of 14 years. The main function of vitamin D2 is the development and health of the skeleton, bones of the child, the prevention of rickets. Vitamin D2 significantly speeds up the healing process in newborns fontanel on the head.
The product accelerates metabolic processes in the body, positively affects cerebral circulation, and improves fine motor skills. Vitamin increases the immunity of the child, improves concentration and attention, reduces the risk of cancer.
With its deficiency or overdose, the child's health worsens, sweating develops, bones are deformed, rickets develop. The child lags behind peers in physical and mental development, he has problems with the kidneys and heart.
An overdose leads to muscle weakness, joint pain, vomiting, and private urination. Other problems are possible depending on the individual characteristics of the organism.
Destination
What should fish oil be for children? Which is the best source of vitamin D2? These questions concern many parents.
Fish oil is the main source of omega-3 polyunsaturated fatty acids. These organic compounds are not synthesized in our body, so their supplies should be replenished with food and vitamin complexes.
Currently, global manufacturers of various food additives are conducting research in an attempt to improve the quality of this product. As an optimal form of release of a source of polyunsaturated fats, they offer a capsule. This is not only convenient for taking the drug, but also is not accompanied by additional unpleasant side effects. In addition, the child, having seen a beautiful fish, will not think about the fact that inside it is a tasteless medicine.
Areas of use
The best manufacturers of fish oil for children offer the product not only as a source of vitamin D2, but also as an excellent supplement to other products:
- cosmetic creams and masks designed for skin and hair care;
- means for weight loss;
- pet food;
- muscle building drugs;
- means for treating small wounds and joints
Despite this multifaceted use, vitamin D2 is of primary importance for the development of children. With its lack, babies have serious physical problems, which can then be overcome only with the help of long-term therapy.
Major manufacturers
Who produces the best fish oil for children? It is necessary to know the rating of manufacturers in order to exclude the purchase of low-quality goods, which not only will not benefit the body, but can also cause significant harm to it. Currently, the following manufacturers of this tool are distinguished:
- American factories: pay attention to high-quality cleaning of components, since they believe that marine fish contains toxins that are dangerous for children.
- Russian companies: produce preparations based on the liver of the cod family.
- Norwegian firms: offer consumers high-quality dietary supplements, but at the most expensive price.
What to look for
What is the best fish oil to give a child? In order to choose the right dietary supplement, it is important to pay attention to the inscriptions that are present on the product packaging.
How to choose quality vitamins for the growth and development of the baby? First of all, attention should be paid to the raw materials used by the manufacturer. If "veterinary" or "food" fish oil is indicated, therefore, it is made from cheap raw materials. This means that it is of poor quality.
What should be the best vitamins? High-quality fish oil for children is a “medical” drug. However, it is very easy to get confused here.
Also emit fish and fish oil. Do not think that this is just a different wording, the products also vary. Fish oil is extracted from cod liver and contains a sufficient amount of vitamins A, E and D.
Fish oil is a refined product, in the composition of which from 15 to 30% of irreplaceable organic acids. It is extracted from fish carcasses. Assign it in the case when it is necessary to make up for the lack of omega-3 acids in the human body.
What is the difference from cheap expensive fish oil? Which is better to choose a drug for children? In addition to cost, there are differences in the form of release. The most economical option is to purchase a vitamin complex in bottles.
It is important to choose a dietary supplement in bottles of a dark color, since in the light the useful properties of the components are lost. The liquid in the bottle should reach the neck so that fish oil does not interact with atmospheric oxygen. What is the best option for children to take: in capsules, plates, solution? The choice remains with the parents, since the form does not affect the quality of dietary supplements.
In the form of chewing plates, fish oil is chosen for babies, but it must be understood that the cost of such a drug will be significantly higher. Older children will also use liquid, and parents will have the opportunity to save.
Often there is an inscription on the packaging, according to which the product is made by molecular differentiation. This means that the manufacturer increased the content of essential fatty acids in dietary supplements. That is, such a product is more useful.
The best fish oil for children in capsules is produced in such a dosage that the child needs to drink no more than 1-2 pieces per day. This is also important to consider when buying.
What else should I look for when choosing the best fish oil for children? You need to look at the country of origin of the purchased drug. For example, if dietary supplements are manufactured in a country with an unfavorable environmental situation, it is advisable to refrain from buying.
The best fish oil for children contains not only omega-3 fatty acids, but also minerals and vitamins, therefore it contributes to the overall health of the body.
Quality criteria
A quality product has a shelf life of no more than two years. The most important factor to consider is the quality of the drug. How to choose the best fish oil for children? Currently, the following types of quality are distinguished in the world:
- category of dietary supplements made from cod liver (the cheapest product);
- refined fish oil (average price and quality);
- ultra refined product (pharmaceutical product without impurities, having the highest cost)
Capsules
Some pediatricians believe that it is in capsules that the best fish oil is offered for children. Reviews of parents say that kids use this drug much more willingly. Pediatricians are convinced that the benefit of dietary supplements will bring only with strict adherence to the dosage specified by the manufacturer in the instructions.
Specialists recommend giving preference to capsules made from fish gelatin. Such a remedy can be given to the baby with soup during lunch. The course is better to start in late autumn, complete only in the spring.
Even the most minor disorders in the functioning of the child's body should be an alarming signal for parents. It is advisable to stop taking dietary supplements, seek the advice of a pediatrician.
Moller Fish Oil
Judging by the reviews, it is this drug that tops the rating. Norwegian fish oil "Meller" many parents prefer to buy for their babies. The product has excellent quality, since fish from environmentally friendly reservoirs is used for its manufacture. The product is released from the liver of cod oceanic species. Supplements of this manufacturer are offered in a dosage of 200 and 500 ml, so the tool is convenient for a long course of administration. Fish-shaped capsules have a pleasant fruity taste. Russian pediatricians recommend giving such a product to children from one year old.
The manufacturer offers dark packaging to prevent exposure to sunlight (the beneficial properties of omega-3 acids are preserved in the product throughout its shelf life). A pleasant lemon flavor is a great bonus for kids. It completely drowns out the unpleasant taste of fish oil itself. The use of this drug is allowed even when taking a different group of D-containing vitamin complexes.
The daily dose depends on the age of the child. A child from 3 years old is allowed daily use of 2 capsules (or 5 ml) of dietary supplement.
When fatty fish is included in the diet, the dosage of the drug is reduced. The manufacturer recommends the use of dietary supplements for 2 years. After opening the vitamin remedy, it is necessary to use it for 3-4 months, storing in a cool dark place at a temperature of no higher than ten degrees.
Oriflame
The second place in the rating, judging by the reviews, belongs to the Swiss drug Wellness Omega-3 for children. In its manufacture uses a five-stage cleaning system. This product can only be purchased at specialized pharmacies and points of sale. Reviews about the drug are only the most positive. Pediatricians recommend this vitamin complex, as it contains the recommended daily intake of fatty acids.
The Wellness Omega-3 for Children complex strengthens the nervous and immune systems, positively affects visual acuity, and prevents the development of various diseases.
The recommended dose is a teaspoon (5 ml) once a day. The preparation contains 99% of fish oil, and 1% contains vitamin E, lemon oil. The fat used by the manufacturer is isolated from fish that lives in the Pacific Ocean, so the drug is environmentally friendly.
RealCaps
These are products of a domestic manufacturer. The company specializes in the manufacture of dietary supplements and medical cosmetics. Judging by customer reviews, the vitamin complex "RealCaps" gives good results. A distinctive feature of it from its foreign counterparts is its acceptable cost. Capsules "Kusalochka" are designed specifically for babies. They can not only be bitten, but also chewed.
In their reviews, parents note that children like fish take fish oil. The dietary supplement uses the natural flavoring "Tutti-Frutti", which drowns out the unpleasant fish taste. This dietary supplement allows you to fill the deficiency in the body of omega-3 fatty acids, vitamins A, D, E. Pediatricians recommend it to strengthen the skeleton and bones, increase perseverance, focus attention, and prevent colds.
In the production of this tool, fish with a short life cycle that lives in the waters of the Atlantic Ocean is used. In dietary supplement there are no dyes, impurities, preservatives. The manufacturer recommends this tool to children from the age of three. The daily dose is 1 capsule 2-3 times a day with meals. The shelf life of the drug is 2 years. After opening the bottle with dietary supplement, the period of use is reduced to 3-4 months. It is better to store the vitamin complex in a dark and dry place.
Fat from the company "Eco Plus"
This dietary supplement has been developed especially for babies from 1.5 years old. The drug allows you to fully compensate for the deficiency of polyunsaturated fatty omega-3 acids, vitamins D and A. The duration of the dietary supplement is 30 days.
The manufacturer claims that taking 1.5 teaspoons during the meal of this complex allows you to develop brain tissue, correct vision, reduce rice, the development of diabetes and asthma, and increase immunity.
Judging by the reviews, the tool really works. The first improvements in the baby's condition occur in the first month of taking this dietary supplement. Pediatricians are advised to give dietary supplements from 3 years. The recommended daily dose is 2 capsules.
To summarize
Currently, the pharmaceutical market offers a huge selection of dietary supplements to saturate the child's body with omega-3 fatty acids. In order to make the right choice, it is necessary to look not only at the cost of the goods, the manufacturer, but also at the information about the composition.