Kids

When They Have a Good Amount of Omega-3, Kids Thrive!

Doctors currently recommend Omega-3 supplementation during pregnancy and nursing because these nutrients are so critical for fetal and infant brain and eye development.* So right at the start, giving your kids a good supply of Omega-3s, particularly DHA, is critical.

But it doesn’t stop after babyhood . . .

With a diet high in Omega-3, kids flourish. Research shows that after infancy, Omega-3s continue to be critical for healthy development and growth . . .*

Reports Oxford University researcher Paul Montgomery, Ph. D., “Levels of Omega-3 fatty acids in the blood significantly predicted a child’s behavior and ability to learn . . . Higher levels of Omega-3 in the blood, and DHA in particular, were associated with better reading and memory, as well as with fewer behavior problems as rated by parents and teachers.”1*

A total brain package for your child! And as if things couldn’t get any better, according to research, this behavioral support from Omega-3s may even help make bedtime easier!2*

Now isn’t that a parent’s dream?

Beyond children’s brains and behavioral health . . .

  • Omega-3s may help children keep their hearts healthy.3*
  • Another study tracked children for five years after they had Omega-3 supplements in infancy. The researchers found that at 5 years old, the children who had had extra Omega-3s had a healthier sensitivity to insulin and they were less likely to be overweight.4*

Clearly, when kids get enough Omega-3, kids thrive.

So now you may ask, how much Omega-3 does your child need? And how do I get it into them – especially if they’re finicky eaters!

  • Aim for 5 mg of DHA per pound of body weight for infants 6 to 24 months of age.*
  • Birth to 12 months: may take up to 500 mg per day of combined DHA and EPA.
  • Kids 1 to 3 may take up to 700 mg per day.
  • Kids 4 to 8 may take up to 900 mg per day.
  • Kids 9 to 13 may take up to 1200 mg per day.
  • Older teenagers may require as much as 1600 mg daily.

To get enough Omega-3s in your kiddos, the first thing we recommend is diet – grassfed meat and Omega-3 fortified milk; seafood especially sardines and wild-caught salmon; and pastured eggs. And cut down on Omega-6 foods like corn oil, soybean oil and foods with processed grains (flour) as much as possible.

To supplement, go for some of the kid-friendly flavored liquid Omega-3s or a chewable product. Be careful – both these products can go rancid easily thanks to the water content. But they are easier for many children to take. And use caution with gummies since many are basically glorified candy with lots of sugar and negligible amounts of Omega-3s.

Finally, if your children are older and comfortable swallowing pills, try our ultra-concentrated, highly purified Omega-3s.  Our DHA 600 provides kids with a complete dose of this critical brain-builder and our EPA 500 supports healthy inflammation and mood. Both come in smaller pill sizes that may be doable for older children.

Don’t try to cut these capsules open and add them to juice! They’ll make a mess. And the intense taste and odor of the concentrated fish oil – especially if it goes rancid after you open them and expose it to air – will make your child hate fish oil for life. Just go with a liquid or chewable version as recommended above.

“I was unfamiliar with your product but I was told by my doctor that I needed to give my daughter concentrated grade fish oil, so I tried your product after talking to you. I am happy to say that my daughter has not had any health issues since.”*

Christine Garcia Palmdale, California

Check out our Omega-3 products that work for kids below

Omega-3 For Kids FAQ

What are the benefits of DHA for children's brain development?

Docosahexaenoic acid (DHA) is a key Omega-3 fatty acid that plays a key role in children’s brain development [1], especially their cognitive and behavioral performance [2]. If a child isn’t getting enough DHA through their diet, taking supplements can help support strong brain development. 

Supplementing DHA may help children improve their listening comprehension and vocabulary, as well as their attention. A study of children at 9 and 12 months of age receiving fish oil supplements showed an effect on their attention scores during a free-play test [2].

Are OmegaVia Kids Chewies sugar-free?

OmegaVia Kid’s Omega-3 Chewies are 100% sugar free. There’s less than 1g of total carbohydrates in each Chewie. Even without sugar, the Chewies pack a big flavor without that fishy taste found in many other Omega-3 supplements. Instead, OmegaVia Kids Chewies have a natural fruit flavor kids love. 

Compare these to other children’s Omega-3 supplements that often have a fishy flavor that makes kids not want them. Supplements won’t do your kiddos any good if they dislike the flavor so much that they won’t take them. There are also gummy supplements for children that are full of sugar, so take a close look at the supplement facts.

At what age can my child start taking Omega-3 supplements?

Children can begin taking kids’ Omega-3 supplements at 6 months old when you introduce complementary foods. While diet is the best way to make sure your kids get enough Omega-3, they may not be willing or able to eat enough of the foods that supply this key nutrient. That’s what Omega-3 supplements are for.

Consult with your doctor before giving Omega-3 supplements to your child, especially if they are under 3 years old.

Make sure your child receives the appropriate Omega-3 supplement dose for their age and size. OmegaVia Kid's Omega-3 Chewies have 400 mg total Omega-3 per Chewie. Children aged 3 to 6 should be given one Chewie (400 mg), while children aged 7 to 12 can take two Chewies (800 mg).

How do I deal with a child who doesn't like the taste of fish oil?

It’s normal for children to dislike the fishy flavor found in many fish oil Omega-3 supplements. Instead of trying to convince them to take those supplements anyway, consider switching to Omega-3 supplements with flavors kids enjoy, like OmegaVia Kid’s Omega-3 Chewies.

Some children's gummy supplements are basically just candy with sugar and minimal nutrients. But OmegaVia Kid’s Omega-3 Chewies are different. Each piece contains 400 mg of total Omega-3s and no sugar. They also have a great taste kids love, thanks to their natural strawberry and citrus flavor.

Sources

  1. Lauritzen L, Brambilla P, Mazzocchi A, Harsløf LB, Ciappolino V, Agostoni C. (4 January 2016). DHA Effects in Brain Development and Function. Nutrients. Retrieved February 3, 2026, from https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/26742060/ 
  2. González, F. E., Báez, R.V. (March 2017). In Time: The Importance of Omega 3 in Children’s Nutrition. Revista Paulista de Pediatria. Retrieved February 3, 2026, from https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC5417803/