In order for the baby to develop correctly in the first year of life, vitamins must be included in his diet. One of the most beneficial supplements is traditionally considered to be fish oil, rich in vitamin D. It plays an important role in the prevention of rickets and other serious childhood diseases caused by vitamin D deficiency.
Fish oil is a valuable food supplement
The benefits of fish oil for a child
Fish oil is a natural product obtained from marine fish (mainly cod) and consumed in liquid form or capsules to saturate the body with vitamins, minerals and other useful substances. Regular consumption of this supplement contributes to:
- Strengthening bones;
- Intensive growth of hair and nails;
- Good digestion;
- Strengthening the nervous and cardiovascular system.
To achieve the desired effect, it is necessary to take the product not occasionally, but in a course, in accordance with the instructions. The application depends on the form of release.
Composition and nutritional value
A useful vitamin supplement includes vitamin D, a substance that actively prevents the development of rickets in children. Also among the useful ingredients are Omega-3 acids, which contribute to the proper development of the child's body, have a beneficial effect on the brain and memory. Minerals, which are rich in useful substances, improve the functioning of the immune system and help the child's body fight against infections. Thus, fish oil should be considered as a powerful multivitamin complex that is easily absorbed, does not cause allergic reactions and individual intolerance.
Dosage depends on age
Varieties of fish oil
In modern domestic pharmacies, you can find several varieties of the product, for example:
- From the liver;
- From a fish carcass;
- In liquid form;
- In capsules.
Carcass or liver products are sold in large cans. You can buy liquid fat in bottles.
Liver or carcass
You can give a newborn baby the fish oil necessary for development from a carcass or liver. The disadvantage of this option is that such a product quickly deteriorates. If a month has passed, and there is still a lot of product left in the open jar, you need to immediately throw away the fat so as not to get serious poisoning. Liver or carcass vitamin supplements are commonly made in Norway and other maritime countries.
Fat comes in different forms
Capsules or liquid
You can buy baby fish oil in capsules at any pharmacy. The same goes for the liquid form of the medication. The capsules are made from fish gelatin. They are given an original shape and colored with natural dyes to make the product as attractive as possible for the child. You need to take capsules strictly according to the instructions in order to prevent an overdose of vitamin D. Usually, kids take bright vitamins with pleasure. The capsules have a neutral taste and odor; they are very easy to swallow without chewing. An unpleasant fishy smell is not felt at all. Fat in this form is also recommended for pregnant and lactating women to prevent vitamin deficiency.
At what age can you give
Usually, pediatricians prescribe vitamin D preparations from three months, but in some cases, you can start taking them earlier, for example:
- If the child is weak;
- In case of prematurity;
- Children who are often ill;
- Babies with weak immune systems.
Modern milk formulas for children from 0 to two to three months are additionally enriched with vitamin D, therefore, children who are completely artificially fed do not need to be given fish oil. On the contrary, babies who are fed naturally should be given this vitamin without fail, because breast milk can contain a very small amount of a useful substance. Instead of fish oil, according to pediatricians, you can give babies the drug "Aquadetrim", it has a similar composition and does not cause allergic reactions.
Vitamin D is essential for development
When to give in capsules
Vitamin D capsules can be taken by those children who are good at chewing and swallowing on their own. Doctors usually recommend giving this dosage form to babies from three years old. Small capsules are easy to swallow, and the baby does not experience any discomfort. Also, preschool children love vitamins in the form of gummies; fish oil is also produced in this form. The parent must strictly monitor the correct dosage.
Norms for newborns by month
Parents often ask what the fish dietary supplement standards are. Each age has its own vitamin D intake. Doctors, including Komarovsky, it is recommended to give children this useful substance according to the following scheme:
- At 3 months - 3 drops of liquid fat;
- Six months - 10 drops;
- Year - a teaspoon;
- 2 years - 2 teaspoons.
From the age of three, you can give one dessert spoon of good fat of any company. An overdose of vitamin D is as dangerous as its lack, and can lead to poisoning. If, after taking the vitamin, the child's well-being has deteriorated, fish oil should be immediately withdrawn and a doctor should be consulted. This is rare, most often children have only a positive reaction to the drug.
How often to give
The above dose should be given to children of the first year of life twice a day, in the morning and in the evening, regardless of the meal. If the baby does not drink well from a spoon, you can gently give fat from a pipette. The main thing is not to miss it, then vitamins will really be of use. If the medicine is given haphazardly, from case to case, the effect will also be, but much smaller. If a child receives a vitamin for the first time, for the first few days, you can give it once a day and observe the baby's reaction. If there are no signs of allergy in the infant, you can transfer the little one to a two-time dose of the drug.
Possible problems
Infants usually do not have nutritional problems after taking vitamin D. On the contrary, children have significantly improved appetite and general well-being. However, in case of individual intolerance to certain components of fish oil, babies may experience intestinal colic, bloating and upset stools. In this case, the drug is temporarily canceled.
Contraindications for use
There are practically no contraindications to use, except for individual intolerance. However, if the baby is already receiving artificial nutrition fortified with vitamin D, he does not need additional nutritional supplements.
Signs of intoxication
An overdose of fish oil at an early age is dangerous because it can cause intoxication of the body. The most common signs of poisoning are vomiting and diarrhea. Also, the baby's skin can acquire a characteristic icteric shade, this is also a sure sign of hypervitaminosis - an excess of nutrients. This condition is not life threatening. The main thing is to stop taking food additives in time so as not to aggravate the condition of the baby, perhaps the doctor will help you choose an analogue of fish oil. You need to be especially careful when giving fat to children under 6 months.
Important! If the child spits out the contents of the spoon or part of it, you should not immediately give another dose again; during the next dose, the dosage is not doubled.
Before giving your baby a vitamin supplement for the first time, you should consult a doctor. The pediatrician will tell you how to properly introduce children's fish oil into the child's diet, avoiding allergies and digestive disorders. Do not neglect a useful substance, it plays an important role in the proper development of the child's body.
