Children's Diets Missing Key Fatty Acids, Study Shows

Children may not be consuming enough polyunsaturated fatty acids (PUFA), according to the first study to closely examine PUFA intake in young children living in the United States.

The researchers, led by Dr. Sarah Keim of the Center for Biobehavioral Health at Nationwide Children Hospital's The Research Institute, examined data on nearly 2,500 children between 12 and 60 months.

According to Keim, "The ratio of omega-6 to omega-3 intake was high -- about 10. Some experts use this as an indicator of diet quality, with a high ratio being less healthy."

In addition, the researchers found that the intake of DHA, a key fatty acid, in those studied was low.

Fish, the researchers found, represented the richest source of PUFAs in children's diet; however, for many, a meal including the meat was rare.

"Only about 54 percent of children ate fish at least once in the previous month," Keim said. "Non-Hispanic black children were more likely than non-Hispanic white children to have eaten fish."

A proper ratio of omega-6 to omega-3 PUFAs is key in healthy cell functioning, eye development and neural functioning. That early childhood is characterized by accelerated physical and neurological development, therefore, could mean variations in PUFA intake during this period may result in important implications for growth, Keim says.

However, the ideal intake of PUFAs for young children remains largely unclear -- a fact reflected in a lack of official dietary recommendations is the United States for DHA or EPA, a fatty acid found in coldwater fish.

Keim hopes to change this. Already she and her colleagues are engaged in a clinical trial to determine whether DHA supplements can aid in the cognitive development of those born preterm.

In the end, Keim advises families to feed their children a variety of fresh food as soon as they are able to eat solids.

"Dietary habits can form very early, so starting with a balanced diet may have long-lasting effects for children's health."