Omega-3 for Children and Teens: Gummies, Liquids and Safety

If a child has swallowed too many

If a child may have swallowed a large amount of any supplement, including gummies, call Poison Help at 1-800-222-1222 (US) and see poisoning: what to do first. For other countries see Poison Help by country. Call 911 if a child has trouble breathing or cannot be woken.

The short answer

For children, the best-studied question in the sources we read is ADHD, and the answer there is clear: a 2023 Cochrane review of 37 trials (more than 2,374 children and teens with ADHD) found high-certainty evidence that polyunsaturated fatty acid supplements had no effect on parent-rated ADHD symptoms compared with placebo. [1] For other uses in healthy children, Proper evidence not found in the pages we read. We checked NCCIH, Cochrane and PubMed searches on children's omega-3 safety and growth and found no usable review. This page is information only. A pediatrician decides whether a child needs any supplement.

Evidence labels used: no good evidence of benefit, insufficient evidence, regulatory/official advice and Proper evidence not found.

What trials show for ADHD

The Cochrane review compared omega-3 and other polyunsaturated fat supplements with placebo in people aged 18 and under with diagnosed ADHD. [1] Side effects likely did not differ between supplement and placebo groups (moderate-certainty evidence). [1] NCCIH describes a 2023 review of 36 studies and says it did not find evidence that ADHD symptoms are likely to improve in children or adolescents. [2] Both reviews say the type and amount of supplement varied between studies. [1][2] Any amounts used in trials are study amounts, not advice. This is about ADHD symptoms, not about whether fish is a healthy food.

What official bodies say

NIH Office of Dietary Supplements figures could not be verified because the site blocked our access. EFSA also noted that at intakes from foods these fats have not been associated with adverse effects in healthy adults and children. [4] Its 5 g a day statement about supplements was made for adults only, so it should not be applied to children.

Gummies, liquids and capsules: what a label can tell you

We found no source that tested children's gummies as a group, so Proper evidence not found on whether gummy products deliver what they state or are safer or riskier than other forms. What is documented is that fish oil labels differ widely. A review of 231 fish oil products from a US label database, sold as capsules, gummies or liquids, found EPA plus DHA per serving ranged from 60.2 to 2,684 mg, averaging 697 mg. [7] "Fish oil 500 mg" is not the same as 500 mg of EPA plus DHA, so look at the EPA and DHA lines in the supplement facts. See how to read a fish oil label and supplement formats compared.

Safety points for parents

• Fish and shellfish allergy. The label of a prescription fish-derived omega-3 says it is not known whether people with these allergies are at higher risk. [6] Allergic reactions can be an emergency; see fish and shellfish allergy and omega-3.
• Cod liver oil and other fish liver oils. They contain vitamins A and D in amounts that vary by product, and these vitamins can be harmful in excessive amounts. [2] The NHS notes fish liver oil is high in vitamin A. [8]
• Bleeding and medicines. Omega-3 may prolong bleeding time. [6] Tell the pediatrician and pharmacist about all medicines, especially before surgery or dental work; see medication interactions.
• Side effects are usually mild: taste, bad breath, headache, stomach upset. [2]
• Product quality. See quality testing and certifications.
• Food first. FDA says fish provide key nutrients, including for early childhood brain development. [3] Fish, serving sizes and mercury are on oily fish.

Related: vitamins for children and teens, omega-3 evidence by use and omega-3 cautions in pregnancy, children and kidney or liver disease.