The benefits of fish for children
The benefits of fish for children
Contents
1 fish for children
2 Benefits of fish for children
2.1 Nutritional content of fish
3 Recommended quantities of fish for children
4 types of fish that are safe for children
5 Harms of fish on children
6 References
Fish for children
Fish is a staple food in many countries. As it is one of the important components of their diet,
Children’s fish consumption is important to overall health and nervous system development. Which begins in the formation of the infant from the stage of pregnancy and continues throughout childhood and until adolescence,
It is possible to start feeding the baby some well-cooked fish from the age of six months.
The benefits of fish for children
Fish content of nutrients
Fish is low in saturated fat, rich in protein, and contains many B vitamins, and is considered fatty fish. Like salmon, mackerel is rich in omega-3 essential fatty acid; Which boosts energy levels in the brain,
Babies need this fatty acid from pregnancy; For its role in brain development, and even throughout life for its role in improving brain health,
It should also be noted that many fish contain high levels of vitamin D, calcium, and some nutrients that the body needs in small amounts. Like selenium, and iodine.
Recommended quantities of fish for children
Children should eat small portions of various fish and seafood at the rate of one to two times a week, and the size of these portions varies according to the child’s age, and in the following detail:
| Children’s age group | the recommended amount of fish |
| Children from 2 to 3 years | 28 grams |
| Children from 4 to 7 years | 57 grams |
| Children from 8 to 10 years | 85 grams |
| Children 11 years of age or over | 113 grams |
Types of fish that are safe for children
Mercury is a heavy metal found in seafood in the form of methylmercury at different levels.
It is preferable to eat seafood with a low content of methyl mercury, and rich at the same time in the two types of omega-3 fatty acid: Eicosatetraenoic acid or EPA, docosahexaenoic acid or DHA,
According to the FDA; There is a list of fish that are safe to eat, which the child can eat, and those that must be completely avoided; It is shown in the following table:
| Fish that are safe to eat | fish that a child can eat | fish that should be avoided |
| Tilefish | halibut | royal mackerel |
| Salmon | tuna | marlin fish |
| Sardines | anchovies | orange coarse fish |
| Grouper | Carp | Shark |
| Spanish mackerel | cod | swordfish |
| Shrimp | crab | gulf or Mexican tilefish |
| Crab | bluefish | big-eyed tuna |
Damage that fish may cause to children
Fish consumption is associated with some caveats and harms, and we will mention them in this paragraph:
First Risk of high mercury level:
Some fish contain high levels of methylmercury. It is a mineral that may be harmful to the development of the brain and nervous system of a child when present in high doses
Therefore, it is advised to eat less mercury fish, such as: Canned tuna, salmon, cod, and other varieties that contain a little bit of mercury were mentioned above.
Second The possibility of infection by bacteria or viruses through fish:
Be sure to cook the fish well to kill bacteria and viruses, which are transmitted by food, such as those found in raw or undercooked fish.
Third Fish sensitivity:
This allergy may affect some children, but it affects adults more. Fish allergy often develops at the beginning of childhood and continues in school compared to milk or egg allergy,
Where the symptoms of a fish allergy are similar to those of other types of food allergy, and it often occurs within about an hour of eating it, and in the following, we mention some of these symptoms:
- Hives
- Body itching.
- Allergic rhinitis, runny nose.
- Headache.
- Breathing difficulty.
- Indigestion and stomach pain.
- Bloating or gas
- diarrhea.
- Nausea or vomiting
İmportant notice:
The content of the submitted articles, including all text, graphics, images, and other materials, is provided for educational purposes only.
The information provided is not a substitute for professional medical advice or professional diagnosis.
Moreover, the information on this website should not be taken as final medical advice in relation to any case or individual situation.
We strongly recommend that you always seek the advice of your doctor or other qualified health service provider with any questions you may have regarding any medical condition, your general health, or the health of your child.
References
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