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Using proprietary technology Ascenta Health Ltd. has naturally transformed fish oil into a silky smooth, delicious tasting liquid that bursts with flavor. With an ideal ratio of EPA and DHA for kids and a yummy berry taste, kids will love taking their Omega-3! The taste and texture of traditional oils has been completely transformed using proprietary new technology. The texture is best described as smooth and creamy yet it is completely free of dairy ingredients. Now comes the taste! The technology used for Omega Smooth allows us to create mouth watering flavors that were never before possible with fish oil.

Omega-3 fatty acids EPA and DHA are essential nutrients for great health at all ages. They offer a range of benefits including heart health, mental function, joint health and mobility, and emotional well being, as well as nourish the skin and hair. Omega-3s are also important for kids. They are an essential nutrient for the proper development and function of the brain, eyes, and nervous system. In additional, omega-3's have a positive impact on mental function and learning.

Enhanced digestion and absorption

Through a natural process the fish oil is broken down into tiny microspheres and suspended in a natural matrix. Through this process the oil transforms into a light, smooth, creamy texture that is completely different from the texture of regular oil. In fact, you will find it hard to believe you are consuming an oil.

In addition to Omega Smooth's unbelievable taste you also benefit from enhanced digestion and absorption. Thanks to the Omega Smooth process, the suspended omega-3 microspheres are more effectively broken down by the body's digestive enzymes. The majority of fat digestion occurs in the small intestine where dietary fats are digested by lipase enzymes secreted by the pancreas. The rate at which the fat is digested and absorbed is dependant on the size of the fat droplets. Due to the tiny size of the Omega Smooth microspheres the action of the lipase enzymes is greatly enhanced.

Cognitive, Behavioral and Developmental Health

As integral components of cell membranes in the brain, it is not surprising that an increasing amount of scientific research is suggesting a positive correlation between omega-3 fatty acids and cognitive function, development, and behavior. Evidence indicates that fatty acid deficiencies or imbalances may contribute to several common childhood neurodevelopmental disorders, including attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD), dyslexia (specific reading difficulties), dyspraxia [developmental coordination disorder (DCD)], and autistic spectrum disorders.1 For example, developmental coordination disorder (DCD) affects approximately 5% of school-aged children. In addition to the core deficits in motor function, this condition is associated commonly with difficulties in learning, behavior, and psychosocial adjustment that persist into adulthood. A study found that increasing omega-3 fatty acid intake resulted in significant improvements in reading, spelling, and behavior for children with DCD between 5 and 12 years of age.2 Additional studies have shown a positive association with omega 3 fatty acid intake and behavioral disorders.3,4

Memory and Learning

Spanish researchers explored the relationship of EPA and DHA, two omega-3 fatty acids to a special type of brain wave called p300, which is linked to memory and learning (1996). According to the researchers, the faster the rate of transmission of this brain wave, the more efficiently the brain is functioning. The rate declines with age, explain the researchers, and is slower in people with dementia. The scientists then used electrodes to determine the p300 rate of 26 healthy adults. Immediately after being tested, subjects were given supplements of either EPA or DHA. Two hours later, their brainwaves were measured, and researchers observed that the p300 rate was significantly faster in the group given the DHA supplements. These results appear to support the positive impact of DHA on cognitive function in adults.5

Child Development

The impact of DHA is also being explored in relation to child development. For example, researchers in Dallas conducted a randomized, controlled study on DHA and mental development in term infants (2000). They found that DHA, when added to infant formulas improved both motor and cognitive function of infants.6

Behavioral Problems

Stevens, Zentall, Kuczek, and Burgess (1996) examined the relationship between omega-3 fatty acids and behavior, learning, and health problems in boys aged 6 to 12. The researchers explained that significantly greater numbers of behavior problems were reported by the parents of boys with lower plasma levels of omega-3. Low omega-3 levels were also associated with greater numbers of health problems.7 A Japanese study found supplementation with fish oils helped girls with aggression problems.8

Asthma

Regular fish consumption has been associated with a reduced risk of children having asthma.9 Fish oils reduce the synthesis of the proinflammatory cytokines interleukin-1 and tumor necrosis factor (TNF).10 In addition, EPA inhibits the formation of pro-inflammatory leukotrienes from arachidonic acids and omega-6 fatty acids.11 In a randomized controlled trial of 29 children with bronchial asthma, dietary supplementation with fish oil for 10 months improved symptoms associated with asthma. Although this study was carried out in a strictly controlled environment in terms of inhalant allergens and diet, it nonetheless demonstrates the significance of omega-3 fatty acids.12 Another study suggested increasing dietary intake of omega-3 fatty acids over years may actually be required to significantly reduce the severity of existing asthma.13 Asthma symptoms improved in children at 18 months of age when high omega-3 fatty acid concentrations in plasma were present.14

References

1. Richardson AJ, Ross MA. Prostaglandins Leukot Essent Fatty Acids. 2000 Jul-Aug;63(1-2):1-9.
2. Richardson AJ, Montgomery P. The Oxford-Durham study. Pediatrics. 2005 May;115(5):1360-6.
3. Richardson AJ, Puri BK. Prog Neuropsychopharmacol Biol Psychiatry. 2002 Feb;26(2):233-9.
4. Stevens L, Zhang W, Peck L, Kuczek T, Grevstad N, Mahon A, Zentall SS, Arnold LE, Burgess JR. Lipids. 2003 Oct;38(10):1007-21.
5. Myanaga, K., K. Yonemura, and K. Yazawa. (1996). In International Conference on Highly Unsaturated Fatty Acids in Nutrition and Disease Prevention. Bxarcelona, Spain.
6. Birch EE, Garfield S, Hoffman DR, Uauy R, Birch DG. Dev Med Child Neurol. 2000 Mar;42(3):174-81.
7. Stevens LJ, Zentall SS, Abate ML, Kuczek T, Burgess JR. Physiol Behav. 1996 Apr-May;59(4-5):915-20.
8. Itomura M, Hamazaki K, Sawazaki S, Kobayashi M, Terasawa K, Watanabe S, Hamazaki T. J Nutr Biochem. 2005 Mar;16(3):163-71.
9. Peat JK, Salome CM, Woolcock AJ. Eur Respir J. 1992 Sep;5(8):921-9.
10. Endres S, Ghorbani R, Kelley VE, Georgilis K, Lonnemann G, van der Meer JW, Cannon JG, Rogers TS, Klempner MS, Weber PC, et al. N Engl J Med. 1989 Feb 2;320(5):265-71.
11. Lee TH, Hoover RL, Williams JD, Sperling RI, Ravalese J 3rd, Spur BW, Robinson DR, Corey EJ, Lewis RA, Austen KF. N Engl J Med. 1985 May 9;312(19):1217-24.
12. Nagakura T, Matsuda S, Shichijyo K, Sugimoto H, Hata K. Eur Respir J. 2000 Nov;16(5):861-5.
13. Hodge L, Salome CM, Hughes JM, Liu-Brennan D, Rimmer J, Allman M, Pang D, Armour C, Woolcock AJ. Eur Respir J. 1998 Feb;11(2):361-5.
14. Mihrshahi S, Peat JK, Webb K, Oddy W, Marks GB, Mellis CM; CAPS Team. Pediatr Allergy Immunol. 2004 Dec;15(6):517-22.