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Research Reveals 90% of Children Fail to Meet Omega-3 Health Guidelines

New research reveals that 90% of children in the UK are not eating enough fish to meet the recommended amount of Omega-3, which is vital for normal development of the brain, eyes and immune system
Food & Drink, Health - 21 September 2010   Download IconContent available for download:  
Audio | Interview with Dr Catherine Hood and Dr Carrie Ruxton| Login to Download

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  News Hooks:

New research reveals that nine out of 10 children are not eating enough fish to meet health guidelines, with a similar number (87%) failing to eat any oily fish.

Omega-3s can significantly boost mental and physical health in babies, and are vital for supporting normal development of the brain, eyes and immune system in young children.

Omega-3s have been linked with behavioural, cognitive and attentiveness benefits in healthy, school-age children. Yet seven out of 10 mums are not aware that certain types of fish have health benefits, while more than half of mums don’t know how much fish they and their children should be consuming each week.

Nearly two thirds (62%) of all parents said their children would refuse to eat any fish. When it comes to the types of fish that children will eat, the most popular was fish fingers (67%), with one in five parents (19%) claiming that their children wouldn’t eat any other fish. According to parents, the main reasons children refuse to eat fish include disliking the flavour (40%), the smell (27%), the bones (23%) or because they find it slimy (14%).

. Introduction:

New research reveals that children who don’t like fish could be lacking Omega-3s in their diet. Children often turn their noses up at oily fish, in particular, which is one of the richest dietary sources of omega-3 fatty acids. This has important implications for normal development since omega-3s are vital for optimal brain, eye and immune function. In addition, Omega-3s have been linked with behavioural benefits for children at school. However, as well as difficulties getting some children to eat fish, many mums admit that they aren’t aware of the health benefits, or indeed how much fish they should be eating each week.

So, why should parents be concerned about the amount of Omega-3s their children are consuming?

Joining us to discuss this topic are Health Broadcaster and Writer, Dr Catherine Hood, along with dietitian and child nutrition expert, Dr Carrie Ruxton.

. Suggested Questions:

What does the research show for our area, regarding the lack of fish and omega-3s in our children’s diets?

Why are Omega-3s so important?

Why aren’t children eating enough oily fish?

How can we encourage children to consume more fish?

For those children who won’t eat any fish, is there anything else parents can do to increase omega-3 levels?

Where can we find out more information?