Omega 3 - What Nurses Need to Know

There has been much media exposure in recent months about the benefits of Omega 3 fish oils on children’s performance at school. An adequate intake of omega 3 can help children to improve their reading and writing skills as well as their concentration and behaviour, ensuring that they reach their full potential and get the most out of school, whatever their ability.

Improving attention and behaviour

Increasing numbers of children are exhibiting symptoms of ADHD, and many teachers and parents suffer with unruly, disruptive children. Many belive that improvements in the children's attention can lead to improved performance in the class room.

In separate research, teachers rated children's ability to concentrate and saw a reduction of 18% in attention-deficit symptoms among children taking fish oil supplements.¹

Government recommendations

The richest source of omega 3 is oily fish. The government recommends that children eat two portions of fish per week (of which one should be oily). It is now widely recognised that many children are not eating nearly enough oily fish to ensure they receive adequate omega 3 and many nutritional experts suggest purified, concentrated fish oil supplements as a good alternative source.

Supplement advice

Any supplements for children should be free from additives (such as aspartame and artificial colours) which may trigger behavioural problems. It is also important that fish oil supplements contain adequate levels of DHA and EPA and taste good to ensure that children enjoy taking them.

Alternatively please browse our articles and recent instances of omega 3 news.

¹ Stevens L et al; Lipids, 2003 Oct; 38(10):1007-21