In children, omega-3 fatty acids (primarily DHA and, to a lesser extent, EPA) are essential for good vision, brain development, and cognitive growth. Omega-3 can provide significant benefits throughout children’s developmental process, as we will demonstrate below.

The first phase of human brain development occurs from birth up until the age of 2. However, even at 2 years old, certain areas of the brain remain incompletely developed, and the developmental process continues throughout childhood and even adolescence.

At 6 months, the frontal lobes begin to be covered by myelin nerve fibers, a process that continues into adolescence. Omega-3 fatty acids—specifically DHA—are required for this brain myelination. The frontal lobes are responsible for cognitive activities such as planning, problem-solving, and maintaining focus.

DHA (Omega-3 Fatty Acids) Plays a Significant Role in Children’s School Performance

Multiple studies conducted on various cohorts of children have shown that DHA plays an important role in school performance¹, concluding that an adequate intake of DHA during childhood can contribute to the development of these cognitive skills².

DHA is the primary type of Omega-3 found in the brain’s gray matter, accounting for up to 15% of the total fatty acids in the frontal cortex.

Conclusion: Omega-3 fatty acids (especially DHA) ensure eye health, can contribute to the development of learning, reading, and planning skills in children, and provide a clear benefit throughout their developmental process.

The minimum daily intake required to achieve these health benefits is 250 to 500 mg of DHA.

It is essential that EPA and DHA are administered in their natural triglyceride form, as this is the only form fully and rapidly absorbed by the body. Artificial ethyl ester forms are difficult to digest and have a poor absorption rate of only 20% to 40% of the administered dose³.

Bibliography:

1. “The relationship of docosahexaenoic acid (DHA) with learning and behavior in healthy children: a review”, publicat pe www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov, autori: Connye NKuratko, Erin Cernkovich Barrett, Edward B Nelson, Salem Norman
2.  “Omega 3 DHA and EPA for cognition, behaviour and mood. Clinical findings and structural-functional synergies with cell membrane psohpholipids”, publicat pe www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov, autori: Kidd PM  
3. Dyerberg  J,  Madsen  P,  Møller  JM, Aardestrup  I,  Schmidt  EB (2010)  “Bioavailability  of  marine  n-3  fatty  acid  formulations”.