Flaxseed oil for children

A natural source of vital nutrients, flaxseed oil has several health benefits for kids. It has a lot of omega-3 fatty acids, which are vital for immune system support, brain development, and general growth.

A child’s nutrition can be improved easily and effectively by including flaxseed oil in their diet. It’s crucial to know the proper dosage and the safest methods for incorporating it into their meals, though.

This post will discuss the possible advantages of flaxseed oil for kids, how to use it correctly, and things to consider when feeding it to your kids.

Benefits

From flaxseed, flaxseed oil is extracted. It can be refined (pressurized) or unrefined (mechanical processing is complemented by refining). Vitamin E, along with other vitamin compounds like A, K, and group B, are abundant in this product. They influence the body’s energy and metabolic functions, fortify blood vessel walls, lessen inflammation, boost the immune system, and aid in blood clotting and vision functions.

  • Flaxseed oil is a source of alpha-linolenic acid, which is classified as omega-3 fats. This allows it to be considered an alternative to fish oil if a child cannot eat fish or special supplements for one reason or another. Such fats support the nervous system and heart muscle.
  • Flaxseed oil also contains omega-6 and omega-9 unsaturated fats. They are necessary for the formation of membranes, support of the structure of hair and skin, normal condition of joints, production of prostaglandins and other processes.
  • The lignan present in flaxseed oil is important for the normal condition of blood vessels. This substance lowers cholesterol levels and reduces the risk of cardiovascular pathologies.
  • Consumption of flaxseed oil helps strengthen the immune system, gives a boost of energy. Such a product is useful for the nervous system, helps get rid of headaches, reduce the impact of stress, and better concentrate
  • Flaxseed oil also helps get rid of constipation. It gently envelops the walls of the stomach and intestines, reduces irritation, increases the plasticity of feces and stimulates emptying.

Applying flaxseed oil externally will improve the skin’s suppleness and elasticity. Using this plant product as a treatment will help minor burns and injuries heal.

Potential injury

  • A child"s body can react to flaxseed oil with a rash and other allergy symptoms. In this case, such a product is excluded from the diet for a while. If, however, signs of intolerance appear again during a repeated test, you will have to replace it with another vegetable oil.
  • If consumed in excess, flaxseed oil will greatly dilute the stool and provoke diarrhea, as well as excessively stimulate the contraction of the gallbladder, which can cause discomfort and pain. For this reason, you should not violate the recommended dosage for your age. In addition, due to its blood-thinning properties, an overdose can provoke bleeding.
  • This product is undesirable in the diet of children with pathologies of the biliary tract or pancreas. With such diseases, a deterioration in the condition is possible. In addition, fats are limited if tests show an increased amount of lipids in the blood.
  • The risk of harmful effects of flaxseed oil increases with its heat treatment. For this reason, heating it, unlike other vegetable oils, is prohibited.

Can a baby can give?

Pediatricians’ views on the appropriate age for children to start receiving linseed oil. According to some medical professionals, adding such a product to complementary dishes in addition to other vegetable oils is acceptable as long as the peanut’s response is closely monitored. If you follow this method, babies receiving artificial feeding should start receiving oil at the age of five months, and oil should be given starting at seven months.

According to other medical professionals, using flaxseed oil at such a young age is not appropriate. They advise sticking to safer oils like sunflower and olive for kids under a year old, and delaying exposure to other species like linen until later.

Meanwhile, a number of medical professionals think that babies as young as one year old can start receiving oil made from flax seeds, while others suggest delaying until the child is three years old, when their digestive systems will fully mature.

Children older than three years old should use flaxseed oil for the following purposes:

  • frequent colds;
  • developmental delays;
  • capricious behavior;
  • poor appetite;
  • frequent constipation;
  • rapid fatigue;
  • increased nervousness and excitability;
  • heavy physical exertion;
  • decreased vision.

This product helps strengthen the child’s defenses and lower the risk of colds, making it particularly helpful in the fall and winter. A lot of doctors suggest enrolling in classes in the spring. In this instance, taking it will help the body recover from the cold by increasing tone and strength.

The pediatrician should be consulted first if the mother still wishes to give the child flaxseed oil. The physician will confirm that there are no contraindications before recommending the appropriate dosage.

  • up to a year, most often give one drop for each month of life;
  • at 1-3 years old – half a teaspoon;
  • at 3-7 years old – a full teaspoon;
  • from the age of seven, oil can be consumed in the amount of one dessert spoon per dose.

Continuous use is advised for a duration of 1-2 months, following which a brief break is advised.

Because flaxseed oil is high in omega-3 fatty acids, which promote immunological function, digestion, and brain development, it can be a beneficial addition to a child’s diet. To ensure the proper dosage, prevent allergic reactions, and prevent digestive problems, it’s crucial to speak with a pediatrician prior to introducing it.

How to use

It is rare to give flaxseed oil to a baby from a spoon on an empty stomach because many babies find it unpleasant to the taste and texture. Typically, oil is added to dishes that aren’t hot, like soup, warm porridge, fresh vegetable salad, vegetable puree, cottage cheese, and so forth.

Dripping the doctor’s prescribed dosage into expressed breast milk is acceptable for infants. Bread dipped in oil can be served to older kids.

Flaxseed oil can be applied externally as well as taken orally. It is used as a topical treatment for dryness, minor wounds, irritated areas, and as a massage oil, which includes the delicate skin of newborns.

Vitamins and fatty acids are effectively absorbed into the skin during these procedures, helping to relieve dermatitis and other issues, stop peeling, and enhance local blood flow.

During the epidemic season, oil can also be dripped into the nose to prevent viral diseases before leaving the house.

Purchase and storage

Take note of the flaxseed oil’s appearance when selecting one for a child. Yellow is the standard hue, though it can also be dark or have a hint of green. The liquid should also be transparent.

Make sure to taste such a product before giving it to a child. An unpleasant aftertaste and bitterness are signs that the oil is fresh.

The shorter shelf life of flax seed oil sets it apart from other vegetable oils. It should be kept out of direct sunlight and kept tightly closed in a dark container because it spoils easily.

  • An uncorked bottle can be kept at room temperature for no longer than 2 weeks.
  • If you put it in the refrigerator, it will extend the shelf life a little, but it is best to use it within 1 month.

After measuring out the necessary dosage, you must promptly close the lid to guarantee that the oil comes into contact with air as little as possible.

In capsules

This flaxseed oil variant is highly well-liked since it comes in a tasteless gelatin shell, making it more enjoyable to consume. Since the capsules are typically small and round, swallowing is not difficult.

Multiple manufacturers offer the supplement. Although the product’s packaging frequently states that children as young as 14 can use it, many doctors actually approve of the use of such products as early as age 5. The amount of oil in a single capsule, which can range from 250 to 1000 mg, determines a single dosage. For each dose, there can be two to four pieces.

Benefits of Flaxseed Oil for Children How to Give Flaxseed Oil to Children
Rich in Omega-3 fatty acids for brain development Add a small amount to smoothies or yogurt
Supports healthy digestion Mix into soups or salads
Promotes healthy skin and hair Start with a few drops, then increase gradually
May help boost immune system Consult with a pediatrician before use

A quick and easy way to give your child essential nutrients in their diet is through flaxseed oil. Omega-3 fatty acids, which are critical for brain development and general health, are abundant in it.

Despite the potential advantages, it’s crucial to introduce it gradually and speak with your pediatrician to ensure your child is a good fit. Since each child is unique, some may have particular needs or sensitivities.

Flaxseed oil can be beneficial in moderation, but it’s important to keep in mind that a balanced diet is essential. Maintain variety and concentrate on offering a broad variety of foods to promote your child’s development and wellbeing.

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Svetlana Kozlova

Family consultant and family relationship specialist. I help parents build trusting relationships with their children and each other. I believe that a healthy atmosphere in the home is the key to happiness and harmony, which I share in articles and recommendations.

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