Bioter Health - Brain Child

Brain Child Children's Supplement

Children's Omega 3 Supplements
Omega 3 supplements for children are important. But so is the source of ingredients. They should always come from good quality pure fish oil.

The brain fuel every child needs for memory, learning and behaviour
The brain has the greatest density of fat of any organ in the body. In the unborn child, fatty acids are incorporated into brain cells and the retina of the eye during the last three months of pregnancy and the process continues during the first year after birth. The most important fatty acids for the brain and retina are the polyunsaturated fatty acids (PUFAs), docosahexaenoic acid (DHA) an omega-3 fatty acid, and arachidonic acid (ARA). DHA accumulation in the foetal brain mainly comes from the mother´s consumption of fish. Concentrations of DHA in brain tissues increase three to fivefold during the last 3 months of pregnancy and by as much again during the first 3 months of life. The accumulation of DHA in the brain continues for at least the first 2 years of postnatal life.

Brain development and fatty acids
The importance of a healthy diet during pregnancy is documented by the observation that mothers of low-birth-weight infants consumed far less polyunsaturated fatty acids than did mothers of infants with normal birth weights. Furthermore, mothers of low-birth-weight children had significantly lower levels of DHA and ARA in their red blood cells. The nutritional situation of pregnant women declines especially with respect to polyunsaturated fatty acid content. The diet of pregnant women should therefore contain sufficient polyunsaturated fatty acids not only to cover their own requirements, but also that of their unborn babies. This regimen should continue after delivery since the content of DHA in mothers’ milk is directly related to the diet or dietary supplementation taken. Most women choose to give birth to children during a fairly short period of their lives. Serial births lead to a depletion of DHA in women, continuously reducing the availability of this important fatty acid for the youngest children.

Development of vision and intelligence
DHA is highly enriched in the retina of the eye. This marine fatty acid is a structural component of the tissue responsible for the conversion of light energy into electrical impulses. Visual acuity in babies born at term who were given an infant formula fortified with DHA was significantly better than in those given a standard formula. Even though visual acuity will improve as a function of the child growing up and gaining access to fatty acids by its own dietary efforts, a situation with sub-optimal vision at birth may affect basic problem solving and other early signs of intellectual development. Even though an unborn child is given priority ahead of its mother when given access to a supply of essential polyunsaturated fatty acids, an inferior diet on the mother’s part may reduce the chances of normal intelligence development in her child. It has been demonstrated that access to essential polyunsaturated fatty acids early in life is important for intellectual development during the first years, and that it can also have an impact on IQ, school abilities and academic performance up to the age of 18.

Omega-3 fatty acids and hyperactivity
Attention deficit-hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) is characterised by the inability to sustain attention, to modulate activity level or to moderate impulsive actions. Two clinical studies using omega-3 fatty acids have paved the way for better understanding, treatment and prevention of this disabling disease by the use of food supplements containing essential polyunsaturated fatty acids.

The prevalence of ADHD is estimated at about 7% of all children, with boys more often affected than girls. It is a chronic condition with symptoms that last a lifetime. The ADHD child may have normal learning abilities but the ADHD symptoms block his or her normal acquisition of skills and social adaptation. Alienation and poor ability to adapt to a social lifestyle are very often the long-term effects that these children have to live with.

Genetic factors play an important role, but environmental conditions may also be important. Western-style diet has been blamed for the increasing prevalence of the disease.

Children who should increase their intake of marine omega-3 fatty acids by using the Bioter Health Brainchild omega-3 dietary supplement. For normal development of intellectual capacity, vision and skills, a combination of the omega-3 fatty acids and a good multivitamin should be taken. Brainchild packs contain yummy chewable fishy burslets rich in EPA and DHA and a complete multivitamin with minerals especially formulated for children.

Ingredients	Per Softgel	Per 2 Softgels	% RDA
Fish Oil, Tuna (Natural)	500mg	1000mg	**
Providing Omega3 FA: Eicospentaenoic Acid Docosahexaenoic Acid	180mg as: 30mg 125mg	60mg 250mg

**RDA not yet established

DOSAGE AND DIRECTIONS FOR USE:

Children Aged 2 to 4 years old: Chew 1 Burstlet daily

Children Aged 4 years and older: Chew 1 to 2 Burstlets daily, or as directed by your healthcare professional.

Are fish oil omega 3 supplements good for your kids? You can bet your baby’s bottom they are. Absolutely! To begin with, fish oil with EPA (eicosapentaenoic acid) and DHA (docosahexaenoic acid) can help make your children smarter and better behaved. That’s a good start, don’t you think?

Results released from the largest, clinical-based omega-3 and omega-6 trial of its kind show that omega 3 supplements for children relieves the symptoms of ADHD , adding to a growing body of evidence that nutritional intervention can directly benefit children who have issues with inattention, hyperactivity and impulsivity. The reason omega 3 supplements for children are in especially high demand is because toddlers and kids are still growing. Because the brain vitally requires copious amounts of omega 3 fatty acids in its developmental stage, and because many kids are lacking in omega 3's - just like us adults - concerned parents are trying to give their children the best start to life possible.

The best omega 3 supplement for children hand's down is fish oil. Fish oil is preferable to vegetable and plant sources like flax seed. The reason is because in plant sources like flax seed, the omega 3 comes in ALA form which must be converted by the body into the other two crucial omega 3 fatty acids, called DHA and EPA.

This conversion does not always happen efficiently, which means getting DHA and EPA directly from fish oils is the best bet.
Just how important are DHA and EPA? Well, almost 60% of the brain's mass is fats, and half of those fats are DHA!
In short, DHA and EPA are crucial for optimal brain functioning and development.

FAQ’s about Brain Child

What is ADHD?

Attention-deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) is the name of a group of behaviours found in many children and adults. People who have ADHD have trouble paying attention in school, at home or at work. They may be much more active and/or impulsive than what is usual for their age. These behaviours contribute to significant problems in relationships, learning and behaviour. For this reason, children who have ADHD are sometimes seen as being "difficult" or as having behaviour problems.

ADHD is common, affecting 4% to 12% of school-age children. It's more common in boys than in girls.

How will I know if my child has ADHD?

The child with ADHD who is inattentive will have 6 or more of the following symptoms:

• Has difficulty following instructions

• Has difficulty keeping attention on work or play activities at school and at home

• Loses things needed for activities at school and at home

• Appears not to listen

• Doesn't pay close attention to detail

• Seems disorganized

• Has trouble with tasks that require planning ahead

• Forgets things

• Is easily distracted

The child with ADHD who is hyperactive/impulsive will have at least 6 of the following symptoms:

• Fidgety

• Runs or climbs inappropriately

• Can't play quietly

• Blurts out answers

• Interrupts people

• Can't stay in seat

• Talks too much

• Is always on the go

• Has trouble waiting his or her turn

What causes ADHD?

Children who have ADHD do not produce enough chemicals in key areas in the brain that are responsible for organizing thought. Without enough of these chemicals, the organizing centers of the brain don't work well. This causes the symptoms in children who have ADHD. Some research suggests there may be a gene that increases dopamine transport, leading to dopamine inactivation. The decreased dopamine availability may impair memory and some brain functions.

Norepinephrine also appears to play a role in ADHD. With insufficient norepinephrine, the brain can't respond fully to new stimuli. Stimulant medication might increase dopamine or norepinephrine activity. Some researchers think there might be an imbalance of neurotransmitter activity - dopamine might be overly active in relation to norepinephrine, but at the same time hypoactive with respect to serotonin activity.

Research shows that ADHD is more common in children who have close relatives with the disorder. Recent research also links smoking and other substance abuse during pregnancy to ADHD.

How will Brain Child multivitamin help my child?

Vitamin and mineral supplementation is important to support healthy growth and development in children. Certain vitamins and minerals are of specific importance for brain function.

Research suggests that pyridoxine (vitamin B6) might improve behaviour in children with ADHD. Vitamin B6 is needed for proper neurotransmitter function.

Preliminary evidence suggests that a low dose of vitamin C (25 mg) in combination with flaxseed oil twice daily might improve some measures of attention, impulsivity, restlessness, and self-control in some children with ADHD.

Zinc is involved in many physiological processes, including neural metabolism. Children with ADHD seem to have lower serum zinc levels than children without ADHD. Preliminary clinical research also suggests that zinc deficiency might result in a poor response to stimulant therapy. Clinical research also suggests that taking zinc in combination with conventional treatment might modestly improve symptoms of hyperactivity, impulsivity, and impaired socialization in some children with ADHD. Studies using zinc for ADHD have taken place in the Middle East where zinc deficiency is relatively common compared to Western countries. It's not known if zinc would have the same potential benefits when used for ADHD in patient populations from Western countries.

Magnesium levels seem to be lower in children with ADHD, and researchers have found neurotransmitters require magnesium to function correctly.

Why is docosahexaenoic acid (DHA)?

DHA is an omega 3 essential fatty acid, derived from fish oils. They are the prime structural components of brain cell membranes and are also an important part of the enzymes within cell membranes that allow the membranes to transport valuable nutrients in and out of the cells. The body needs DHA to manufacture healthy brain cells (the message senders) and prostaglandins (the messengers). DHA is the primary structural component of brain tissue, so it stands to reason that a deficiency of DHA in the diet could translate into a deficiency in brain function.

In fact, research is increasingly recognizing the possibility that DHA has a crucial influence on neurotransmitters in the brain, helping brain cells better communicate with each other.

Where will I get DHA from in my diet?

The best sources of DHA are:
•  seafood,
•  algae,
•  coldwater fish
Omega-3 fatty acids are nature's antifreeze. In general, the colder the water, the higher the omega-3 content in the fish oil.

Popular sources of DHA are:
•  salmon,
•  sardines, and
•  tuna
Eggs and organ meats have a small amount of DHA in them, but the healthiest source of dietary DHA is seafood.

Besides fish oils, vegetable oils (primarily flaxseed, soy, and canola) are also rich sources of omega 3 fatty acids, with flaxseed oil being the best.

The two F's, fish and flax, are the top brain-building foods for growing children, and adults.

Why is the Brain Child Omega 3 supplement so effective?

Most omega 3 supplements are derived from salmon oil. Brain Child makes use of omega 3 derived from tuna oil. Tuna oil has a higher concentration of DHA than salmon oil. Therefore the Brain Child Omega 3 supplement is high in DHA and thereby promotes healthy brain function.

How do I use Brain Child?

Multivitamin:

Children 2 to 4 years of age – chew one tablet with breakfast.

Children 4 years and older – Chew 1 to 2 tablets with breakfast.

Omega 3: (Fishy Burstlets)

Children 2 to 4 years of age – chew one burstlet with breakfast.

Children 4 years and older – Chew 1 to 2 burstlets with breakfast.

When should I be careful when giving Brain Child Omega 3 to my child?

If the child has a seafood allergy, avoid using the product.

If the child complains of nausea after taking the softgel, make sure he/she takes it together with food!