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Omega-3 - The Facts

What is omega-3?

Omega-3 fats are unique polyunsaturated fatty acids ('good' fats), which are vital to life and good health.

There are different types of omega-3s:

  • Shorter chain omega-3 ALA (alpha-linolenic acid) which is found naturally in plant foods
  • Long chain omega-3s such as EPA (eicosapentaenoic acid) and DHA (docosahexaenoic acid) found almost exclusively in seafood (fish and shellfish).

Our bodies are only able to produce the long chain omega-3s EPA and DHA in very small amounts, which is why fish is such an important food in our diets. Long chain omega-3s are vital to maintain optimal health and wellbeing as they are involved in every cell of your body.

Omega-3s have been described as nature's brain food. DHA is regarded as a building block of the brain as it is found in high concentration in the brain's grey matter. It is essential for the normal functioning of the brain and appears to be particularly important for cognitive memory, mental performance and behavioural functions.

What are the benefits of omega-3 for children?

  • Omega-3s are important for healthy brain development and function and may play a supportive role in behaviour, attention and learning in children.
  • John West Kids, along with the Omega-3 Centre, acknowledges the need for children to consume omega-3s for healthy functioning of the brain and body.
  • One of the best sources of omega-3 is seafood, and while supplements are gaining in popularity, nothing beats the benefits of eating whole foods such as fish to obtain omega-3s. Whole foods provide a complex combination of vitamins and minerals your body needs for good health. For example, fish not only provides omega-3s, it also provides protein and important vitamins and minerals, unlike omega-3 supplements which lack these other nutrients.
  • Research suggests fish oils may improve concentration levels and reduce hyperactivity, restlessness and impulsivity in children with ADHD.
  • Professor Andrew Sinclair, specialist in omega-3 at Deakin University comments, "Fish are a very good source of EPA and DHA as well as other essential nutrients such as iodine, selenium and protein."
  • Based on recent Australian Government dietary intake recommendations, an adequate intake of long chain omega-3s is 40-70mg for children up to 13 years of age 1 .

How easy is it to give my children omega-3?

There are some great natural sources of omega-3 that can help children improve their intake. Tuna is one such food that parents can be assured is great for kids and one of the most popular seafood options for kids' tastebuds. According to Bilsborough, "teaching young children to look after their health, by doing simple things such as eating more fish, is a practical way of optimising both short and long term health."

Why is tuna a good source of omega-3?

  • "Getting omega-3 from tuna is particularly beneficial as it also provides children with a good source of protein and contains important vitamins and minerals. As well as being nutrient rich, it is low in fat and the protein tuna contains will fill children up and help to maintain a healthy bodyweight," said Bilsborough.
  • A new range of flavoured tuna for kids is now available in single serve, 75g plastic tubs. John West Kids is specially formulated with low liquid to ensure there's no mess, fuss or danger of cuts from tins. Just one tub provides a child with 100% of their daily adequate intake of omega-3s. Perfect for school lunchboxes or as a healthy snack after school, John West Kids Tuna also contain all natural ingredients.

John West Kids is available from leading supermarkets at an RRP of $3.29 for a twin pack.

Read more about John West 'Brain Food' for Children.

www.johnwest.com.au/kidstuna

References:

  • National Health & Medical Research Council (NH&MRC) . Nutrient Reference Values for Australia and New Zealand. Commonwealth of Australia, Canberra. 2006.
  • Sinn, N. & Bryan, J. (2007). Effect of supplementation with polyunsaturated fatty acids and micronutrients on ADHD related problems with attention and behaviour. Journal of Developmental & Behavioral Pediatrics, 28(2), 82-91.

Shane Bilsborough
Shane Bilsborough is one of Australia's leading and most sought after nutritionists. He has a Masters Degree in Human Nutrition from Deakin University and is involved in medical research having published research papers in the area. He has presented a series of lectures on Childhood Obesity for the Pharmaceutical Society of Australia (PSA) across Victoria. In June 2007, Shane was appointed as the Ambassador of the State Government's 'Go For Your Life' healthy lifestyle initiative, where he promotes being active and eating a healthy balanced diet through the state of Victoria. He is the author of three internationally best-selling books on diet and exercise and has sold over 350,000 books worldwide.

Professor Andrew Sinclair
Professor Andrew Sinclair B Agric Sci, PhD is Professor of Human Nutrition at Deakin University in the School of Exercise and Nutrition Sciences. Professor Sinclair is scientific advisor to the Omega-3 Centre ( www. omega- 3centre.com) and contributed to the Scientific Consensus Workshop Report Omega-3 fatty acids, Essential nutrients for our children, 2007.

Omega-3 Centre
Simplot Australia is a member of The Omega-3 Centre - a centre of excellence in omega-3 fatty acids for Australia and New Zealand. The primary focus is on communicating the health benefits of long chain omega-3s; translating the science of omega-3s into actions. All communications from The Omega-3 Centre are based on sound science.

Release Date: 3rd February 2009

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