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Fish oil originates from oil rich fish tissue that contains omega-3 fatty acids. These include eicosapentaenoicacid (EPA), and docosahexaenoicacid (DHA). It is recommended that healthy individuals should consume foods rich in fish oil at least twice aweek. However, such intake will vary depending on cultural or personalpreference, seasonality, and socio-economic status. Many families and patients with chronic neurological conditions consume supplements containing omega-3 fatty acids. We are frequently requested to give an advice and recommendations on using these agents to improve developmental and cognitive functions. Therefore, in this review we discuss the available literature supporting the role of fishoils on brain development and function. There is a growing body of literature suggesting a potential benefit of long chain polyunsaturated fatty acids in the neurological development and function. While increasing consensus is developing regarding the administered supplementation, it is still unclear if there are responsevariations according to the developmental stage, age, and dose. This needs tobe investigated further at different development stages to include infants andyoung children with longitudinal long-term follow-up.

Fish oil; omega 3; fatty acids; child; brain; development