can I give flaxseeds or flaxseed oil to my 11mos. old baby?

Question

Hi,
Does any one has information from trustworthy resources about whether i can give my 11mos. old baby flaxseeds or flaxseed oil to boost her omega3 intake?
thanks

Answer 1

At this age it's not recommended unless your child is constipated because of the LAXATIVE effect of flax seeds. Rapidly forcing foods and fluids from your childs body will result in electrolite imbalance. Food forced out of the body before your child has properly digested and absorbed its nutrients can result in malnutrition as well. Wait until your child is older, much older

There are foods you can feed him/her that are rich in Omega'ss: beans, olive oil, chinook salmon, winter squash, scallops, soy beans, shrimp, tofu.

It's important to balance out the omega 3's and the omega 6's: http://linkinghub.elsevier.com/retrieve/pii/S0002870305003510

While flaxseeds are very high in omega 3's, even adults can have a hard time tolerating it. I live on fish, raw fruits and veggies and am every accustomed to a very fibrous diet. I used Smart Balance Spread with flaxseed oil on one slice of whole grain toast and was sick for 8 hours. Can you imagine what that would have done to an 11 month old?

"Infants, young children, and nursing mothers should avoid supplemental flaxseed oil. Because of possible antithrombotic activity, those with hemophilia and those taking warfarin should be cautious about the use of supplemental flaxseed oil or flaxseed. Flaxseed oil intake should be halted in those having surgical procedures.

ADVERSE REACTIONS
Flaxseed oil may cause mild gastrointestinal symptoms, such as diarrhea...." Read the rest at:http://www.pdrhealth.com/drug_info/nmdrugprofiles/nutsupdrugs/fla_0107.shtml

Good luck and be careful. The last thing you want is a very unhappy baby with explosive diarrhea.

Answer 2

The effectiveness of Flaxseed Oil is not proved as a medicine to Eczema.Castor seed oil and neem oil are found effective in certain cases

Answer 3

Dr Sears says yes so I say probably yes:
"but my question is it safe for my 11 1/2 month old. I read your advice about using Flax seed oil. Do you think it would be strong enough for my baby's constipation and is it safe to use for an extended period?

I do often use Flax seed oil as part of my constipation “arsenal” and highly recommend it. This is something that is good for you anyway. Click here to read more about constipation"
(the above is severely edited by me, for length)
http://www.askdrsears.com/faq/mc5.asp

http://www.wholesomebabyfood.com/flaxforbaby.htm
When Can My Baby Begin To Eat Flax?

Most often pediatricians will say that incorporating Flax into your baby's diet is safe around 7-8 months old. Ideally, you would begin offering you baby Flax in the form of either Flax meal (finely ground Flax Seeds) or Flax Oil.

Answer 4

Flax Oil For Babies

Answer 5

You really don't need to. Children under a year get their primary nutrition from breastmilk or formula.

Answer 6

that would be totally unnecessary. Probably even harmful. All the seeds could get into the appendicitis and cause real harm.

Answer 7

There is a lot information out there, I would consult with your doctor FIRST.

http://www.cure-guide.com/Child_Health_Guide/Fats_and_Oils/fats_and_oils.html