Are your kids getting their Omega-3?

Do your kids happily gobble up fatty fish (salmon, trout, sardines, mackerel or herring) twice a week? If not, chances are they likely don’t have their healthy omega-3 fats covered.

The Canadian Nutrition Society Conference on Dietary Fatty Acids confirms that most kids still fall short of getting enough DHA; the type of omega-3 fat researchers have found is critical for optimal brain and eye development.  

I say, “optimal” because there is no evidence DHA will make our kids smarter beyond their natural potential.

How much DHA should children consume each day?

On average, children consume only 30-40mg of DHA per day. This is low when you consider how much DHA children need each day.

Age

Optimal Daily DHA

1-3 years old

70 mg

4-8 years old

90 mg

9-13 years old

120 mg

Omega-3 eggs

While a regular shell egg provides around 40mg of DHA, depending on the brand, one omega-3 enriched egg provides anywhere from 75-130 mg of DHA. That means, for a 1 to 3-year-old child, one omega-3 egg provides 100% of their DHA for the day. 

What are omega-3 eggs?

Omega-3 eggs are specialty eggs rich with DHA and EPA omega-3 fatty acids. Omega-3 eggs are produced by feeding hens a diet that includes flaxseed.

While humans are not very efficient at converting alpha-linolenic acid (ALA) from plant-based sources like flaxseed into the essential DHA and EPA that our bodies need, hens are surprisingly gifted at this process. As a result, omega-3 eggs are a great source of both DHA and EPA for those seeking to increase their intake of important omega-3 fatty acids.

3 recipes rich in omega-3

If you’re looking to feed your family more omega-3, here are some recipe ideas worth trying.

Savoury Salmon and Egg Frittata

This Savoury Salmon and Egg Frittata is quick to make and can be enjoyed at any time of day.

Savoury Salmon and Egg Frittata

Creamy Egg and Smoked Salmon Pouches

Each little pouch is stuffed with delicately flavourful eggs and smoked salmon, making a perfect bite-sized morsel.

Creamy Egg and Smoked Salmon Pouches

Egg and Tuna Schooners

The perfect snack for a day spent by the water, these Egg and Tuna Schooners inspire you to exercise your imagination and your body.

Egg and Tuna Schooners