Omega-3s are having a moment. It seems nearly every health-related article touts the benefits of these fatty acids. We’re here to tell you the hype is very real, and adding Omega-3s into your child’s daily routine can be very beneficial for them. Let’s take a closer look at how Omega-3s for kids and other childrens’ vitamins work.
What Are Omega-3s?
Classified as fatty acids, Omega-3s belong to a group of essential nutrients that are critical in several aspects of health for both adults and children. They are considered essential as the human body cannot make these on its own and are required for multiple vital functions in the body.
When we talk about Omega-3 fatty acids, it’s important to distinguish between the three types of them: alpha-linolenic acid (ALA), eicosapentaenoic acid (EPA), and docosahexaenoic acid (DHA).
Here’s a closer look at each.
- Alpha-linolenic acid (ALA): This vegetarian source of fatty acids can be found in plant-based foods such as flaxseeds, chia seeds, walnuts and other nut seeds. The body can convert it into EPA and DHA on a limited basis. This nutrient can be found in our Organic Vegetarian Kids Formula gummies.
- Eicosapentaenoic acid (EPA): not as abundant in the brain, this fatty acid helps produce new nerve cells, and is found in cold-water fish. Works best in combination with DHA.
- Docosahexaenoic acid (DHA): Commonly found in the brain, this Omega-3 helps create new cells in the brain and the eyes. In conjunction with EPA, DHA is critical to aiding in growth in children.
Here are some other sources of omega-3s:
- herring
- flaxseeds
- walnuts
- salmon
- sardines
- Pacific chub mackerel
- canned light tuna
- chia seeds
With concerns about the mercury intake associated with fish and the environmental concerns about fishing (not to mention, good luck getting a toddler to eat fish!), many people find it easier to get their EPA and DHA from supplements.
Omega-3 for Kids
The best Omega-3s for kids are the ones you can get them to consume. If your child is a fan of salmon patties and canned tuna, then that’s a great source of them. Omega-3 supplementation is perfect for kids who won’t eat fish or get enough of it in their diet and you can find it in SmartyPants Kids Formula multivitamin for kids, a source of Omega-3 fatty acids.
SmartyPants Formulas with Omega-3s for Kids
To see which product would be best for your kid based on the form of omega-3s you're looking for, Find Your Formula here.
The SmartyPants 'Core' line has Omega-3 EPA and DHA from fish oil. The multivitamins we have for kids in our Core line are:
The SmartyPants Organic and Sugar Free lines have Omega-3 ALA (α-Linolenic acid from organic flaxseed oil) as the source of omega-3s. The multivitamins for kids in those lines are:
