Omega 3s are essential fatty acids for our children, but to fully benefit from their advantages, it is crucial to understand some key aspects: the purity of the oils, the prevention of oxidation and the importance of the TOTOX test.

Omega-3s for children: role, importance and recommendations

Why is the purity of the oil essential?

Omega-3s, particularly ALA (alpha-linolenic acid) and DHA (docosahexaenoic acid), are polyunsaturated fatty acids that are particularly sensitive to oxidation, which can be promoted by heat, light, and exposure to oxygen.

Furthermore, the presence of contaminants such as heavy metals or pesticide residues does not directly affect their nutritional properties, but constitutes an independent health risk, highlighting the importance of the quality and purity of the oils consumed.

When choosing an oil rich in Omega 3, always opt for certified pure products, from traceable sources and having undergone rigorous testing to eliminate any form of contamination.

At Nuré, our Omega 3 DHA comes from a micro-alga and not from fish oil and is free of all heavy metals.
Omega 3 ALA is derived from organic chia and rapeseed oil, all blended with organic extra virgin olive oil.

Oxidation: an invisible but formidable enemy

Omega-3 fatty acids are highly susceptible to oxidation, a chemical process that degrades their molecules when exposed to oxygen, heat, or light. When the oil oxidizes, it loses its anti-inflammatory properties and can even produce compounds harmful to your body.

How to prevent the oxidation of Omega 3?

It is recommended to:

• Choose quality oils that have been tested, in particular using the TOTOX test with a result of less than 10.
• Choose oils packaged in opaque glass containers.
• Store the oils away from light and in a cool place (refrigerate after opening).
• Consume the oils within the indicated time frame to prevent them from going rancid.
• Avoid unnecessary ingredients such as flavorings or colorings that can promote the oxidation of Omega 3.

Do not buy your Omega 3 in gummies. They are heated to form them, which is something Omega 3 should absolutely not be done.
It also contains other ingredients that are incompatible with Omega 3, as well as a dosage that is too low, making them useless for obtaining real benefits.

Omega-3 for children: Not all omega-3 supplements for children are created equal

At Nuré, we only put the essentials in our Omega 3 oil: vegetable oils and a rosemary-based antioxidant, and that's all.

The TOTOX test: a guarantee of quality

How can you tell if an oil is pure and unoxidized?
The TOTOX test is a key quality indicator for Omega 3 rich oils.

It measures the degree of oxidation of the oil by combining two parameters:

• The quantity of peroxides (products of the first oxidation phase)
• Secondary compounds formed by advanced oxidation

The lower the TOTOX score, the better the quality of the oil.
Ideally, a high-quality oil should have a score of less than 10 (the limit being set at 26).

At Nuré, we carry out this test on each batch to ensure the quality of our oil and offer the best to our children.

The benefits of Omega-3s are well preserved.

When you consume high-quality, unoxidized Omega-3s, you can fully benefit from their properties:

• Support for cognitive function
• Reduction of inflammation
• Immune system strengthening
• Improvement in cardiovascular health

Our Vegan Omega 3 oil will provide your child with the essential DHA for their brain, mood, and overall well-being. Fish oil free, guaranteed heavy metal free.

Discover our Omega-3 for children

The majority of products available on the market do not provide the recommended daily intake of 250 mg of DHA. Many are formulated with fish oil, which has a significant environmental impact , and sometimes contain additives, sugar, or colorings. In many cases, neither the purity nor the stability of the oils is guaranteed, particularly in the absence of TOTOX testing, which is not mandatory.

Omega-3s for children: role, importance and recommendations

At Nuré, we've made different choices. Our omega-3 provides 250 mg of DHA, covering 100% of children's daily needs. It's 100% vegan, derived from microalgae, and undergoes TOTOX testing on every batch to guarantee the absence of oxidation. It's formulated without artificial flavors , glucose or fructose syrup, artificial sweeteners, colors, or preservatives. The formula is 100% natural and composed of 80% organic ingredients.

Omega-3: how to detect purity and prevent oxidation?

Quality and purity above all

Discover our Omega-3 for children - plant-based, fish-free, free of heavy metals and additives, perfectly dosed in DHA — a reliable and effective solution to meet children's needs.

Omega-3s are essential to support your child’s brain development, focus, and emotional balance all year long.

Adjusting intake according to fish consumption
- If your child eats 2 to 3 servings of fatty fish per week (such as sardines, mackerel, or herring), no additional DHA intake is necessary.
- If they eat around one serving per week, we recommend a supplement of 250 mg of DHA three times a week.
- And if fatty fish are rarely on the menu, a daily intake of 250 mg of DHA is the best way to ensure a consistent supply.

Omega-3: a year-round ally
Nuré’s Omega-3 is specially formulated for children — pure, properly dosed, and easy to take. 

🌿 Discover our Kids Vegan Omega-3
Our plant-based omega-3 for kids is specially formulated to support children’s daily DHA needs.
- 100% daily intake — 250 mg of DHA: from Schizochytrium sp. microalgae oil.
- 100% NATURAL: microalgae oil, organic rapeseed oil, chia oil, extra virgin olive oil, sunflower oil, and natural antioxidants.
- 0% SUGAR & ADDITIVES: no sugar, sweeteners, colorants, or artificial flavors — just the essentials.
- 100% SATISFACTION: kids love our Omega-3 oil, no fishy smell, quick, and easy to take!

Learn more about the recommended DHA dosage for kids, best dietary sources, and how omega-3s support normal brain and vision development in children.

Omega-3 fatty acids are essential lipids (fats) that our bodies can’t produce on their own, so we need to get them from our diet.

Among the three main types of omega-3, we find:

• Alpha-linolenic acid (ALA) – Primarily present in plants
• Eicosapentaenoic acid (EPA) - Primarily present in fatty fish
• Docosahexaenoic acid (DHA) - Primarily present in fatty fish

DHA plays a particularly important role in children's development. However, a study published in the European Journal of Nutrition (1) shows that 80% of children and up to 90% of adolescents in France do not consume enough EPA and DHA omega-3 fatty acids, along with very low quantities of ALA. This contributes to an imbalance in the omega-6/omega-3 ratio. Even among children who consume more than two servings of fish per week, EPA and DHA intake remains insufficient.

This imbalance between omega-6 and omega-3 could harm young people’s neurological development and increase the risk of diseases in childhood and adolescence, as well as later in life, such as obesity, metabolic syndrome, cardiovascular disease, and allergies.

In this article, we will explore what omega-3s are, their specific role in children, and why they are essential. We will also look at recommended dosages and the best dietary sources.

What are Omega-3s?

Omega-3s are a family of essential polyunsaturated fatty acids important for human health. The term "essential" means that the human body cannot synthesize them, so they must be obtained through diet. The main types of omega-3 are:

Alpha-linolenic acid (ALA): Mainly found in plant sources such as flax seeds, walnuts, and vegetable oils (canola, camelina, and flaxseed oils). ALA can be partially converted by the body into EPA and DHA, although this conversion is uncertain and dependent on many factors.

Eicosapentaenoic acid (EPA): Mainly found in fatty fish like salmon, mackerel, sardines, and tuna. EPA plays an important role in reducing inflammation and protecting against heart disease.

Docosahexaenoic acid (DHA): Also found in fatty fish, it is crucial for brain and eye development and function. DHA is particularly important for neurological development in infants and children, and we will primarily focus on this omega-3.

What is the direct role of omega-3 in children?

Brain Development: DHA is a major component of brain phospholipids and is essential for the growth and maturation of neural cells. A study published in The American Journal of Clinical Nutrition (2) showed that children with an adequate DHA intake have better cognitive performance, including memory, learning, and concentration.

Visual Health: The retina of the eye contains a high concentration of DHA, which plays a role in visual development and function. Several studies (3) show that children receiving sufficient DHA have better visual acuity.

Immune System: Omega-3s, including DHA, have anti-inflammatory properties and can strengthen the immune system. Research from the University of Wisconsin School of Medicine, USA (4), found that children with adequate omega-3 intake have a better immune response and reduced incidences of inflammatory diseases.

Sleep: A study conducted by Oxford University (5) reveals that higher blood levels of DHA are strongly correlated with better sleep quality. Additionally, a higher DHA-to-arachidonic acid (AA) ratio is linked to fewer sleep issues. Children who received DHA supplements slept an average of 58 minutes more per night and woke up seven times less than those receiving a placebo.

Importance of DHA

Children have specific nutrient needs to support their rapid growth and neurological development. DHA is particularly important because it contributes to:

• The formation and maintenance of cellular structure.
• Signaling between neural cells.
• Protection against oxidative stress in the brain.
• Modulation of inflammatory processes.

Recommended DHA sosages per day

Recommendations vary slightly by health authority, but here is a general estimate based on current guidelines:
Children (3-13 years): 200-250 mg of DHA per day.
The need may increase if the child consumes a lot of omega-6.

Children should consume at least two servings per week of small, fatty fish with additional ALA-rich vegetable oils.

What are the dietary sources of DHA?

Fatty Fish: Salmon, Mackerel, Sardines, Tuna

Fish Oils: Such as cod liver oil

However, avoid overconsuming large fatty fish like salmon, tuna, or swordfish, as they contain high levels of harmful heavy metals due to marine and river pollution. For instance, excess methylmercury can cause fatigue, dizziness, and toxicity to the kidneys, liver, and brain. It is particularly toxic for fetuses and infants, potentially harming brain development.

Algae: Algae-based supplements are a vegetarian option rich in DHA.

Breast Milk: For infants, breast milk naturally contains high DHA levels, especially if the mother consumes omega-3-rich foods. Infant formulas are also enriched with DHA.

What are the dietary sources of ALA?

Certain vegetable oils, like canola, camelina, or flaxseed oil, are rich in omega-3 ALA. Note that these oils cannot be heated and should be stored in a dark glass bottle after opening to prevent omega-3 ALA oxidation.

Essential Plant-Based Omega-3s for Kids

To ensure your child gets the essential Omega-3s they need for immunity, brain function, and vision, we’ve developed a plant-based Omega-3 oil designed specifically for kids. Unlike fish-based DHA, which can contain contaminants like heavy metals and has a strong fishy taste, our vegan supplement is derived from pure microalgae, offering a clean and safe source of DHA. 

For ALA, we've included nutrient-rich chia oil and organic rapeseed oil, providing a balanced and natural blend of fatty acids. With its neutral flavor, it mixes easily into any food or drink or can be taken on its own. Our formula is free from additives and refined sugars, offering a pure, everyday dose tailored for children aged 3-13. By avoiding fish oil, we eliminate the risk of ocean pollutants, ensuring a healthier, cleaner Omega-3 for your child. A TOTOX test is performed on each batch to ensure the absence of oxidation in the omega-3s.

✔ Omega-3 (500 mg)

✔ Omega-3 DHA (250 mg) from microalgae

✔ Omega-3 ALA (250 mg) from chia and organic rapeseed oil

✔ 100% Plant-Based

✔ Guaranteed purity: TOTOX value < 10

✔ No fishy taste, neutral flavor

✔ Zero Additives & Zero Refined Sugar

✔ Kids' Dosage (ages 3-13)

🇫🇷 Made in France

Discover our Vegan Omega-3 Oil for Kids

References:
(1) ”Inadequate daily intakes of n-3 polyunsaturated fatty acids (PUFA) in the general French population of children (3–10 years) and adolescents (11–17 years): the INCA2 survey." P. Guesnet, J. Tressou, B. Buaud, et al. European Journal of Nutrition. 2019; 58: 895–903. URL: https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/29687265/
(2) “Low blood long-chain omega-3 fatty acids in UK children are associated with poor cognitive performance and behavior: a cross-sectional analysis from the DOLAB study." P. Montgomery, J.R. Burton, R.P. Sewell, T.F. Spreckelsen, A.J. Richardson. The American Journal of Clinical Nutrition. 2013 Jun 24;8(6):e66697. URL: https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/23826114/
(3) “J Inherit Metab Dis." Q. Wu, Ph.D., T. Zhou, M.D., L. Ma, M.D., D. Yuan, Ph.D., Y. Peng, M.D., Ph.D. The Waisman Center and Department of Pediatrics, University of Wisconsin Medical School, Madison, Wisconsin, USA; Department of Ophthalmology and Visual Sciences, University of Wisconsin Medical School. 1999; 22(3): 276–280. URL: https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC2694039/
(4) “Docosahexaenoic acid and retinal function in children with long-chain 3-hydroxyacyl-CoA dehydrogenase deficiency." C.O. Harding, M.B. Gillingham, S.C. Van Calcar, J.A. Wolff, J.N. Verhoeve, M.D. Mills. Journal of Inherited Metabolic Disease. 1999; 22(3): 276–280. URL: https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC2694039/
(5) “Fatty acids and sleep in UK children: subjective and pilot objective sleep results from the DOLAB study—a randomized controlled trial." P. Montgomery, J.R. Burton, R.P. Sewell, T.F. Spreckelsen, A.J. Richardson. Journal of Sleep Research. 2014; 23(4): 364–388. URL: https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/24605819/