Omega – 3 DHA
It may be tricky to get your toddler to try fish, but salmon and sardines are fabulous foods. Naturally high in protein, either fresh or canned, they are an ideal nutrition bonus for every busy body. The natural goodness of fish comes from the “good fats” they contain, special oils called Omega 3s, which includes DHA and EPA. These fats are important for good health throughout life, but for children, these special oils are essential for healthy brain and eye development. Emerging research links Omega 3 fats with children’s behaviour, IQ and school performance. ,
For toddlers 1-3 years, the recommended intake is around 40mg/day of Omega 3 oils. This is actually quite simple if your toddler enjoys fish! Half a can of sardines (on toast/in a jaffle) provides around 400mg Omega 3, or 1 small tin of red salmon (100g) provides 175mg Omega 3.
Family meal patterns will influence what your toddler learns to eat and enjoy. Unfortunately, about 75% of Australians consume fish less than once a week. Include salmon and/or sardines in your family’s diet at least once a week and you will all benefit.
Naturally occurring in fish, omega 3s can also be found in foods enriched with Omega 3. Check out the supermarket for Omega 3 enriched Heinz® Spaghetti Plus, and Omega 3 enriched breads. Heinz Nurture Gold Toddler™ is also enriched with Omega 3 fats for healthy toddler growth and development. As an added bonus for your toddler, one cup provides 110 mg Omega 3 and a whole host of other important nutrients like iron, zinc and iodine.
1. Richardson AJ, Montgomery P.
The Oxford-Durham Study: A randomized, controlled trial of dietary supplementation with fatty acids in children with developmental coordination disorder. Pediatrics 2005;115:1360-6.
2. Helland IB, Smith L, Saarem K, Saugstad OD, Drevon CA.
Maternal supplementation with very-long-chain n-3 fatty acids during pregnancy and lactation augments children’s IQ at 4 years of age. Pediatrics 2003;111:39-44.
3. Nutrient Reference Values for Australia and New Zealand
National Health and Medical Research Council
Commonwealth of Australia 2006
4. FSANZ. Mercury in Fish - Further Information. From
http://www.foodstandards.gov.au downloaded 3 May 2006
