Anybody know what I should look for when buying fish oil suppliments for a child!
Question: I'm looking to buy some fish oil suppliments for my 8 year old (adhd).
But there are just so many types and brands?
Are the all pretty much the same?
Or does anybody reccomend any particular strength or know anything good or bad I should check for?
Would really appreciate any help.
Answers: I'm looking to buy some fish oil suppliments for my 8 year old (adhd).
But there are just so many types and brands?
Are the all pretty much the same?
Or does anybody reccomend any particular strength or know anything good or bad I should check for?
Would really appreciate any help.
Hi "Fish". First, the mercury issue is a "non-issue" in most fish oils. Scientific studies of numerous fish oil brands have found NO mercury in any of the ones tested.
Second, regarding 'doses'. Fish oils are not a drug - they are naturally occurring and necessary nutrients. High doses are not a serious danger and are often used (and needed) to effectively treat ADHD disorders.
You want a fish oil supplement with high DHA and EPA contents (especially DHA which is the major fish oil involved with functioning of the nervous system).
There are many good brands of fish oils. Three I feel confident in recommending are: Carlson's, Nordic Naturals and Thorne's Research. Carlson's and Nordic Naturals offer 'chewable' forms for children, so these may be a good bet for you and your child.
Additionally, I would also recommend a good Cod Liver Oil supplement (in addition to the more potent fish oil supplements). Cod liver oil contains vitamins A and D - critical nutrients for ADHD patients. Carlson's offers many 'forms' of Cod liver oil supplements (capsules, flavored oils, etc.). One teaspoon a day, or 2-3 tablespoons a week, would be a good dose for your child. Do NOT overdose on Cod Liver oil.
Last point, it is important to take a Vitamin E supplement with any fish oil 'regimen'. The body's vitamin E requirement increases with the increased intake of polyunsaturated fatty acids (fish oils). Again, Carlson's offers the right form of vitamin E supplements (mixed tocopherols and mixed tocotrienols - rather than 'only' alpha-tocopherol found in most supplements).
You should be able to find the recommended products at a good health food store. You can order directly from Carlson's at 1-888-234-5656 or their website: carlsonlabs.com. You can order Nordic Naturals from a fantastic mail order company called "NEEDS" at 1-800-634-1380 (website: needs.com). NEEDS sells many professional quality products (e.g. Thorne Research) that normally are only available through qualified health care professionals).
Best wishes and good luck.
First and foremost, the #1 thing to look for is a dosage listing for a child. Yes, that seems like a stupid and obvious statement to say, but there are people who give an adult's dose to a child without thinking about how much smaller children are than adults.
As long as it has a listing for a child's dose, look for a brand that you know that's good quality. If you don't recognize most of the brands (or want to be more objective), the safest thing is to call the companies that you're looking at and ask if they use Molecular Distillation... if they do, it's a good one to get. Basically, that's currently the only way to safely remove any trace contaminants of any heavy metals. Good luck in your search!
make sure its passes the mecury level test