Kids on Fish Oil

It is reported that the HD mice given EPA from birth developed slight or no symptoms. EPA is available in fish oil supplements. No studies have been done for human children. Some may decide to give EPA to at risk children because the benefits may duplicate those of the mice studies. There is almost no risk and possibly much to gain.

The following study suggests safe therapeutic doses of EPA and DHA for at risk kids. Because the study showed no significant side effects, larger doses may also be safe. Check out the brand for purity and freshness before you buy. You have to read the label on the supplement to get the EPA content. A one gram capsule may have only 180 miligrams (mg) of EPA. Moms may want to remove the oil from the caps or use a liquid supplement.

EPA dose in the following study is 17.0 to 26.8 milligrams(mg) pre kilogram (kg) of kid's weight.
kid's weight in kg	kid's weight in pounds	EPA range in mg		No. of capsules with 180 mg of EPA ea.
4.0	10.2	68.0	107.2	0.4	0.6
6.0	15.2	102.0	160.8	0.6	0.9
8.0	20.3	136.0	214.4	0.8	1.2
10.0	25.4	170.0	268.0	0.9	1.5
14.0	35.6	238.0	375.2	1.3	2.1
18.0	45.7	306.0	482.4	1.7	2.7
22.0	55.9	374.0	589.6	2.1	3.3
30.0	76.2	510.0	804.0	2.8	4.5
40.0	101.6	680.0	1072.0	3.8	6.0
60.0	152.4	1020.0	1608.0	5.7	8.9
80.0	203.2	1360.0	2144.0	7.6	11.9
100.0	254.0	1700.0	2680.0	9.4	14.9

There has been an new development since this was first posted. A more kid friendly EPA is available. See: Coromega. Check around for a low cost source. --Jerry 01-Feb-01, updated 15-Aug-01