Cod Liver Oil - Omega 3 Fatty Acids

Question
Dr. Zilberter,

I have a one year old child.  He is eating and drinking regular foods now -- no more breast milk or formula.  He is in good health.  

I was wondering if it is a good idea to supplement his diet with cod liver oil so that he gets Omega 3 Fatty Acids on a regular basis.  I feed him fish also but I worry about giving it to him too frequently due of the possible mercury in it.

Thank you,

Paul


Answer
Dear Paul,

Here's information about omega-3 fatty acids for infants:

A daily minimum is around 30 mg DocosaHexaenoic Acid (DHA) (BTW, it boosts the intelligence of infants as shown in  Pediatrics. 2003,111(1)e39-44).

The EU-Directive specifies that if long chained omega-3 polyunsaturated fatty acids are added to infant food, they should not exceed 1 percent of the total fats.

There are other than fish sources of omega-3:

1. First of al it's flaxseed and oil flaxseed - the richest food sources.

2. Walnuts, pumpkin seeds, Brazil nuts, sesame seeds,

3. Vegetables: avocados, dark leafy green vegetables

4. Oils: canola oil (unrefined), soybean oil, wheat germ oil,

As to fish, choose smaller kinds of fish since the bigger a fish is the more mercury it accumulates: sardines, anchovies, etc.

= TZ

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