A Review of Omega-3 Fatty Acids from Marine Source Supplements and Enhanced Food Effects on Children’s Development, Neurological and Metabolic Disorders and General Health

Long-chain polyunsaturated fatty acids (LC-PUFAs) of omega-3 family, particularly docosahexaenoic acid and eicosapentaenoic acid, are essential nutrients that play a critical role in children's growth and health. This review examines the evidence on the effects of omega-3 supplements and omega-3-enhanced foods on children's development, as well as on neurological and metabolic disorders. Research consistently highlights the importance of DHA in brain and visual development, especially during early childhood, when rapid neural growth occurs. PubMed, Web of Science, Scopus and the Cochrane Library databases were searched for relevant articles published up to January 2026. Adequate omega-3 intake has been associated with improvements in cognitive performance, attention, and learning outcomes. In children with neurodevelopmental conditions such as attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder and autism spectrum disorder, omega-3 supplementation shows modest but potential benefits in reducing behavioral symptoms and supporting executive function, although results remain mixed. Additionally, omega-3 fatty acids exhibit anti-inflammatory properties that may positively influence metabolic health, including lipid profiles, insulin sensitivity, and obesity-related risk factors in children. Omega-3-enhanced foods provide an alternative to supplements and may improve adherence and overall dietary quality. However, variability in dosage, study design, and baseline nutritional status limits definitive conclusions. Overall, omega-3 fatty acids appear to support healthy development and may aid in managing certain neurological and metabolic disorders in children.