EFA for Children

EFA for Children Review

EFA for Children is advertised as a nootropic supplement for children. It is supposed to improve the cognitive health of your child, while improving the eye health at the same time. It contains fish oil, vitamin E, and evening primrose oil. However, the claimed benefits of EFA for Children come from its EPA and DHA content. In other words, you will be providing your child an increased dose of omega-3s to help support a better brain function. Unfortunately, you will not find enough scientific evidence to support the formula used in EFA for Children.

EFA for Children contains fish oil, but it works depending on the concentration of EPA and DHA in each serving. Unfortunately, you do not get enough of DHA to see results. For instance:

• In 20 patients with major depressive disorder, supplemental ethyl ester EPA at 2g daily for 4 weeks noted significantly reduced symptoms associated with fish oil relative to placebo by week 3. The authors were not sure if this was due to fish oil per se or due to augmenting lithium as antidepressant (such a phenomena has been reported elsewhere). Source

It shows that you may see benefits when you take more than 2,000mg of omega3s daily, but you get 120mg of DHA in each serving of EFA for Children. Yes, your children do not need that much, but even for them, EFA for Children does not offer enough. Here is another study showing that you need to take large doses of omega3s to see effects:

• Fish oil, at 2.5g omega-3 (2085mg EPA, 348mg DHA) in a cohort of medical students was able to reduce anxiety by 20% (as assessed by Beck Anxiety Inventory) with no effect on depressive symptoms (as assessed by Epidemiological Studies Depression Scale). Source

Many claims associated with the use of omega3s do not have any scientific backing. For instance, it is thought that supplementing with omega3s can help treat ADHD in children, but there is insufficient scientific evidence to confirm this.

• Children with ADHD were given 600 mg EPA and 120 mg DHA or olive oil placebo daily for 16 weeks. Patent- and teacher-rated behavioral assessments were taken, as well as assessments of cognition, working memory, and attention. No change in any parameters except for working memory was seen. Working memory, via the HAWIK-IV test, increased significantly in the supplemented group by about 4 points. Source

It may not lead to a significant improvement in cognitive function in both children and adults. For instance:

• 900mg of DHA alone in adults with cognitive decline (aged 55 or older) without any neural pathology (Alzheimer’s, etc.) was able to improve immediate and delayed Verbal Recognition Memory, but failed to improve working memory or executive functions.

Some experts are of the view that EPA and DHA help by reducing inflammation in the body. Some scientific studies support the claim, but many have failed to observe any benefit. Here is what experts say:

• There has been a substantial amount of research on supplements of omega-3s, particularly those found in seafood and fish oil, and heart disease. The findings of individual studies have been inconsistent. In 2012, two combined analyses of the results of these studies did not find convincing evidence these omega-3s protect against heart disease.

Similarly, there is not enough scientific data available to support the use of omega3s to treat eye and brain related problems in both adults and children. The studies that show the benefits of omega3s talk about EPA and DHA obtained from dietary sources only. They do not support the use of dietary supplements to reduce inflammation, or get other benefits associated with omega-3 supplementation. For instance:

• Diseases of the eye, such as age-related macular degeneration (AMD; an eye disease that can cause vision loss in older people) and dry eye syndrome. Studies have shown that people who eat diets rich in seafood are less likely to develop the advanced stage of AMD. However, a large National Institutes of Health (NIH)-sponsored study, called Age-Related Eye Disease Study 2 (AREDS2), indicated that supplements containing EPA and DHA did not slow the progression of AMD in people who were at high risk of developing the advanced stage of this disease.

What it means is that if your child is getting enough omega3s from diet, there is no need to provide them with more through EFA for Children or another supplement. Be sure to include enough seafood in their diet and there would be no need to opt for a supplement. For instance:

• The Federal Government’s Dietary Guidelines for Americans, 2010 includes a new recommendation that adults eat 8 or more ounces of a variety of seafood (fish or shellfish) per week because it provides a range of nutrients, including omega-3 fatty acids. (Smaller amounts are recommended for young children.)

EFA for Children claims help adults prevent depression symptoms in women, but studies do not prove that. For instance:

• In women with major depressive disorder during the perinatal period, supplemental fish oil (414mg EPA and 1638mg DHA) failed to find any evidence for an antidepressive effect over 6 weeks of supplementation. Source

Many other studies have failed to observe any benefits of omega3s in relieving depression symptoms. For instance:

• In women with major depressive disorder during the perinatal period, supplemental fish oil (414mg EPA and 1638mg DHA) failed to find any evidence for an antidepressive effect over 6 weeks of supplementation. Source

Some studies show that anti-depression benefits come when you take large doses of EPA and DHA, but again, not many studies confirm the claim. For instance:

• In 20 patients with major depressive disorder, supplemental ethyl ester EPA at 2g daily for 4 weeks noted significantly reduced symptoms associated with fish oil relative to placebo by week 3. The authors were not sure if this was due to fish oil per se or due to augmenting lithium as antidepressant (such a phenomena has been reported elsewhere). Source

EFA for Children also contains Evening Primrose Oil, which is supposed to help improve the brain health and support immunity at the same time. Again, you will not find enough scientific evidence to support these claims. There are also some safety concerns associated with the use of Evening Primrose Oil. Some customer reviews suggest that you may develop problems like headache, stomach pain, upset stomach, and soft stools after taking the oil. What it means is that the oil does not have any real healing benefits but may cause some side effects, which is the reason why it is better to avoid it in the first place.

Another issue associated with EFA for Children is that it is available in caplets. Some other similar supplements are available in powdered form, which makes it easier for children to take it. While caplets are certainly not particularly big, your child may still find it difficult to take them. These are gelatin based capsules, which is why it can be difficult for some child to take them. Moreover, you will also have to deal with fishy burps and breaths after taking the supplement – it may be a bit annoying for your child too.

The fact of the matter is that EFA for Children certainly provides your child with EPA, DHA, and some other ingredients, but it does not offer any benefits because the amount is quite low. You have to take larger doses of omega3s to see any benefits, but that is not the case with EFA for Children. It may also be difficult for your child to take those capsules. Considering the low dose of EPA and DHA, it would not be wrong to suggest that EFA for Children costs you much more than other similar supplements. Therefore, it is better to avoid it and look for something that provides you with clinically approved dose of EPA and DHA to see some results.

What Does EFA for Children Claim To Do?

EFA for Children provides you with omega3s and claims to help your child in a number of ways. Here are some of its claimed benefits for both adults and children:

• Lowers your cholesterol
• Reduces inflammation in the body
• Supports your immune system
• Improves eye health and prevents eye-related problems
• Improves cognition and reduces stress as well
• Supports a better emotional balance

Does EFA for Children Work?

EFA for Children is essentially a nootropic supplement that works by supplying your child with EPA and DHA. It contains fish oil, which has its benefits, but not many studies are there to support the use of omega3s to boost cognitive health. Similarly, it is supposed to help prevent eye related problems in children, but there is no real need to take EFA for Children when your child is already getting a balanced diet. Some preliminary research has found benefits of supplementing with EPA and DHA, but the problem with EFA for Children is that it does not contain enough of these components in each serving. Therefore, it is better to avoid it in the first place, and if you really want to provide your child with EPA and DHA for better health, look for a supplement that contains a higher dose of omega3s. EFA for Children is not going to help!

What Are The Ingredients of EFA for Children?

Below is the nutritional information for EFA for Children;

• Calories: 10
• Calories from fat: 10
• Total Fat: 1 g
• Cholesterol: <5 mg
• Vitamin E (as d-alpha tocopheryl acetate): 30 IU

Below are the ingredients in EFA for Children;

• Fish Oil (sardine, anchovy) 580 mg: Provides you with EPA and DHA. While some studies show that EPA and DHA may improve eye and brain function, you do not get enough of these ingredients from each serving of EFA for Children.
• Evening Primrose Oil (seed) 280 mg
• Other Ingredients: Gelatin (softgel), and glycerin.

Does EFA for Children Have Any Side Effects?

EFA for Children contains a number of ingredients, including fish oil, evening primrose oil, and vitamin-E. Fish oil is usually considered safe, but your child might have to deal with fishy burps, which can be quite uncomfortable at times. You may develop some side effects when taking Evening Primrose Oil (EPO). Some of the most common problems include stomach pain, upset stomach, soft stools, and headaches. These side effects may be more pronounced in children. It is also possible to develop an allergic reaction due to EPO, which can lead to problems like inflammation of the hands and feet, wheezing, difficulty breathing, and more. It is important to avoid EFA for Children when you are already taking any medications – the same holds true for children. You should avoid this supplement if your child has a bleeding disorder.

Are There Any Customer Reviews For EFA for Children?

EFA for Children is designed mainly for children, but adults can also use it to improve their cognitive health. However, it seems that most customers are not happy with the results they have received. For instance:

I have been giving it to my 8-year old daughter for the last one month but it has done nothing to improve their brain function or concentration. I do not think it is a great choice.

No major difference in my 10 year olds focus. Avoid it!

This oil blend was recommended to us by a well known children’s behavior specialist. Good blend of oils, but we get fishy burps after consuming the caplets.

My 8yr old son has ADHD. We use this with the prescription medication that he is currently taking. I did not see any clear difference in his demeanor since he started taking this with his medication. It seems quite ineffective.

Does EFA for Children Offer a Money-Back Guarantee?

Yes, EFA for Children comes with a money-back guarantee, but it is only applicable for unopened items.

Where Can I Buy EFA for Children?

You can order it from several third-party retailers.