Back to school boost

Give your children the best start to the school year with Omega-3 and Vitamin D to boost their immunity and brainpower

This post is in partnership with Eskimo-3.

Heading back to school can be a busy and stressful time for children and parents alike, so it’s important not to overlook your child’s health as preparations are underway. Children are busy between school, activities, play dates – the list can sometimes feel never-ending, so it’s vital that they are getting enough Omega-3 and Vitamin D in their diet to support their busy brains and make sure their immune system is working optimally!

Building blocks for good health

Omega-3 essential fatty acids are considered essential because they are needed for optimal health but cannot be produced by our bodies, and therefore must be consumed daily through diet or supplementation. You can think of these nutrients as building blocks of your child’s body. They perform support function essential to children, including healthy brain development and function, visual function, and are vital for healthy growth and development.

It’s especially important for growing children as without these important fats, it can become difficult for kids to concentrate, learn new information, and balance their moods properly. In fact, a 2012 study found Omega 3 DHA had a profound improvement in reading age, concentration and learning ability in children, lower levels of DHA were attributed to poorer reading and impaired performance.

How much Omega-3 do kids need?

The European Food Safety Authority (EFSA) state that you need 250mg DHA daily to support healthy brain function. Eating oily fish (e.g. salmon, sardines) twice a week will provide a healthy dose of Omega-3 EPA/DHA. Since it is almost impossible to get children to eat enough fish, it’s smart to supplement their diet with omega-3 oil such as Eskimo-3 Kids.

VITAMIN D FOR HEALTHY BONES, TEETH AND IMMUNITY

Vitamin D, aka the sunshine vitamin, is well known for its role in building strong bones and teeth. It’s not just about bones though. Vitamin D is needed for a healthy immune system – helping the body to fight off infections, making it a very important supplement during back to school time. The Irish Osteoporosis Society has called on parents to keep Vitamin D intake top of mind. Some 88% of primary school children in Ireland have been reported to have Vitamin D intakes below the recommended amount.

BE SMART, CHOOSE ESKIMO-3

Taking a daily fish oil supplement naturally rich in Omega-3,-6 and -9 plus Vitamin D, can support your child’s brain, bones, immunity and skin and is a simple way to safeguard your child’s health. Eskimo-3 is committed to delivering safe, sustainably sourced, effective Omega-3. Unless your child is eating 2-3 portions of oily fish a week, an Omega-3 food supplement is a must. With just one teaspoon or chewable a day required; Eskimo-3 Kids should be at the top of every parents shopping list.

Recipe: Sneaky Omegas Smoothie

Ingredients:

1 cup frozen mixed berries
1 medium banana
1 tbsp chia seeds
1 tsp Eskimo-3 Kids liquid
1/2 tbsp agave nectar/honey (optional)
1 cup unsweetened almond/rice/soy/coconut milk
2-3 ice cubes (optional)

Method:

Blend all the ingredients together.
Add water until you achieve your desired consistency.
Add a couple of fresh strawberries on top and a straw to make it attractive to your little ones. Enjoy!

For Teens: Teenagers require Omega-3 and healthy Omega-6 GLA to help boost brain power and regulate hormones and balance mood, so whether your child is doing exams or just looking to increase brainpower, Eskimo Brain 369 is the food supplement for you. With high levels of Omega-3 DHA along with seed oils, vitamin D, E and CoQ10, your brainpower will surge in no time.

Eskimo-3 Kids is available in liquid or chewable in two delicious flavours: Orange or Tutti-Frutti which children love, while Eskimo Brain 369 is available in lemon flavour in both capsules and liquid form.

Exclusive to Health Food Stores, Pharmacies and online; eskimo3.ie