Seafood is one of the most nutrient-dense foods available for children, supporting physical growth, brain development and long-term health.
Yet in many countries—including Australia—children eat far less seafood than recommended.
Brain Development and Learning
DHA and iodine from seafood are essential for:
• Brain structure and function
• Memory and learning
• Visual development
Studies show that children whose mothers consumed adequate seafood during pregnancy and who eat seafood themselves have improved cognitive outcomes compared to those with low intake.
Evidence:
FAO & WHO (2011); Hibbeln et al. (2007)
Parents were asked questions related to frequency of consumption, and to identify factors that either encouraged or prevented the provision of fish/seafood and/or n-3 LCPUFA enriched foods for their families. Results: Salmon, canned tuna, prawn and take-away fish were the most eaten variants of fish/seafood, at approximately once a month. Perceived health benefits and the influence of media and health professionals in health promotion were identified as the primary motivators for consumption of fish/seafood and foods enriched with n-3 LCPUFA. Among families who consume fish, taste was valued as having a major positive influence, as well as preferences of individual family members, but the latter was perceived as an obstacle in non-fish consumers. Price was the main barrier to consumption of fresh, but not canned, fish and n-3-enriched foods, in both those that do and do not consume these foods. Conclusion: Despite Australian parents' knowledge of the health benefits n-3 LCPUFA, only a fifth of households meet the recommended two serves of fish per week, hence nutrition education strategies are warranted.
Rahmawaty, Setyaningrum; Charlton, Karen; Lyons-Wall, Philippa; Meyer, Barbara (2013). Factors that influence consumption of fish and omega-3 enriched foods: a survey of Australian families with young children. University of Wollongong. Journal contribution. https://hdl.handle.net/10779/uow.27737172.v1 |
Growth, Immunity and Overall Nutrition
Seafood provides:
• High-quality protein for growth
• Zinc and selenium for immune function
• Vitamin D for bone development
• B12 for neurological health
Shellfish and small fish are particularly nutrient-dense relative to portion size—important for young children with smaller appetites.
Establishing Lifelong Eating Patterns
Early exposure to seafood:
• Builds taste acceptance
• Reduces food neophobia
• Encourages healthier protein choices later in life
Children who eat seafood regularly are more likely to continue doing so into adulthood, supporting long-term public health outcomes.
Making Seafood Child-Friendly
Practical approaches include:
• Introducing seafood early and repeatedly
• Using familiar formats (fish cakes, wraps, pasta, sushi)
• Mixing seafood into family meals rather than “special” dishes
• Using frozen and canned seafood for affordability
Seafood should be normal food, not a niche product.
Key References
• FAO & WHO (2011)
• NHMRC (2013)
• Golden et al. (2021, Nature)
• AIHW (2023) and Rahmawaty et al (2013)
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