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Children love summer. Have you ever wondered why? Because of the holidays, of course, first and foremost, but also because of the abundance of sunshine, which makes them happier and more active.
The reason for children's love of summer has a logical, purely vitamin-based explanation. During the long sunny days, they get charged with the vitamin D they need for growth, which is produced 90% in the skin and only 5-10% is obtained through food. And this vital vitamin is linked to:
- building and maintaining bones and joints;
- mental and psychological fatigue from school;
- the prevention of viral infections and seasonal illnesses.
In short, in order to have healthy and strong children, it is important to choose, in good time, for them and for us, a source of natural vitamin D, and not only that, which will provide us with calm and fulfilling days.
Fish oil - Vitamin D and Omega-3 fatty acids
Vitamin D is found mainly in fish oil. It is extracted from fish such as cod, salmon, tuna, mackerel; some canned fish (tuna, sardines); fish roe. Its two main forms are D2 and D3.
Fish oil contains D3, which is absorbed twice as well as D2, and is a concentrated source of valuable Omega-3 fatty acids. There are three types of these: EPA (eicosapentaenoic acid), DHA (docosahexaenoic acid) and ALA (alpha-linolenic acid). ALA is synthesized in the body, but EPA and DHA are not. Fish oil is a source of EPA and DHA, and it is necessary for children and people with weakened immunity to take the recommended daily dose of vitamin D in order to stay healthy throughout the year.
The benefits of fish oil
There are several signs that can tell us that our children lack vitamin D and Omega-3 acids.
With the start of the school year, fatigue and eyesight problems in children build up day after day. The Omega-3 acids in fish oil help fight one of the most common problems during prolonged online learning and screen work - dry eyes. This can manifest as irritated and red eyes, a feeling of dryness, and from there blurred vision and sensitivity to light. Taking fish oil helps prevent or more easily overcome these problems.
Fatigue and muscle pain are also not unfamiliar to children, especially given their physical activity and rapid growth. That is why it is necessary to provide them with enough vitamin D, which also helps regulate the amount of calcium and phosphorus in the body, which keep bones, teeth and muscles healthy. Omega-3 acids act as an anti-inflammatory and aid recovery after intense sport or physical activity.
So, if you notice that your usually mischievous child starts complaining of a lack of energy, has joint pain, or muscle soreness after every workout, consider whether they might be lacking certain vitamins.
Does your child have an appetite? We know how hard it can sometimes be to get children to eat healthily, so we remind you that EPA and DHA in fish oil can be your allies.
A healthy appetite is considered a weapon both for achieving a healthy weight - for gaining weight, and for regulating eating in people who are prone to or suffering from obesity. A study cited by Sciencedirect.com shows that after a group of men and women took fish oil for 3 weeks before breakfast, the appetite of 96% of the participants increased, and this had a favorable effect on their weight. According to the scientists, this is due to the Omega-3 acids.
Last but not least, few are the parents who do not seek a solution to their children's problems related to difficulty concentrating and hyperactivity. Healthline.com cites a review of a study among 79 boys, according to which Omega-3 acids improve memory and the ability to concentrate, and have a positive effect on hyperactivity. With controlled intake of fish oil, these boys showed significant improvement in these indicators. There is also evidence that fish-oil-based dietary supplements are one of the two most promising techniques for dealing with this behavioral syndrome.
What fish oil should I buy?
You are probably wondering how to choose the best fish oil? There is a wide selection on the market, and the information is often unclear. Here is our advice: look for fish oil extracted from wild fish from clean waters, harvested under sustainable fishing conditions, free of pollutants and radiation, in accordance with European sustainability standards. Find out whether the production processes are environmentally friendly, and whether heat, mechanical pressure, solvents or chemicals are avoided.
For high quality, the ratio of Omega-3 acids in the product is important. According to the international rule for determining genuine fish oil, the ratio of DHA to EPA should be approximately 1.4 to 1.
Last but not least, choose fish oil suitable for your child's age. Up to the age of 6, it is suitable for them to take liquid fish oil, while capsules are suitable for older children.
