We've been told many times how important omega-3 fatty acids are, esp DHA and EPA, to a child's brain development. But how do you provide this to a child if he is allergic to all its natural sources? My 3-year-old is allergic to all seafood and nuts, and doesn't like gummy bears, either (I know there are supplements in gummy bear form, like the vitamins) so I'm now at a loss as to how I can provide him with those essential fatty acids. Suggestions, anyone? Thanks in advance!
EDIT: I've heard about other food (eggs - but my son is allergic to eggs, too) and dairy being fortified with DHA (Horizon brand in particular) but also read that they are not absorbed by the body the way naturally-occurring DHA is, and that they are processed oils that could do more harm than good, etc. etc. Not sure how true that is, or weighing risks vs benefits, if the "fortified" DHA is better than NO DHA and vice versa.
I know that you can buy milk, eggs and yogurt now that are enriched with DHA. Look at the labels.
DHA can be synthesized from ALA when plant foods like canola oil, tofu or flax seeds...
You can get vegan DHA supplements that are in liquid form. The brand I know of is DEVA, but there may be others. I ordered it online, but whole foods or other health food stores might have it as well. I know theirs come in flavors or you can just add the liquid to your son's apple sauce or whatever. It's made from algae, which is where fish get their omega-3s. Flax seeds/oil and canola oil also have ALA, which your body will convert to DHA (although the rate of that conversion is different in different people). I add ground flax seed to my son's smoothy in the morning for an extra boost.
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If baby was breastfed 1-3 years... no worries, the amount in breastmilk will have all the bases plus some covered. **Most** additive DHA is not in a usable/digestible form anyways... like in baby formula, supplements, etc - not usable by the body.
I'd go to the healthfood store and look around or contact a homeopathic/naturalist/herbalist to see what else you can do.
Well you can get fishoil pills that is the only think I know it's in. Not sure if he can have those being allergic to seafood or not. But if he can you can poke a hole in the pill since they are usually gel caps and squeez it into somethign he will drink or eat. It is very good for children especally if they are on the hyper side. It will help calm them some.
Good luck and God Bless!
Go to a Whole Foods and ask them.
I always have found them to be VERY helpful and informative.
