DHA Health for a Smarter Child

Enhancing the Mother & her infant's nutritional needs

DHA Omega-3 have been found to be a critical component for both neurological and visual development of the baby.  Infants born to mothers whose diets contain plenty of DHA fish oil & babies whose diets include an abundance of essential fats have an edge in early development.

Mothers are encouraged to breastfeed her infant for as long as she can.  This will allow her child to continue to benefit on a number of otherwise-unavailable nutritional benefits, including high amounts of docosahexaenoic acid (DHA).  Lactating mothers are recommended to continue with her DHA supplements so as to nourish her little infant with this important nutrient.

The infant’s brain grows remarkably fast during the first year (estimated to grow 175%).  This rapid growth spurt requires optimal nutritional support in order to maximize the intricate growth patterns within the brain.  This essential fatty acid (EFA) in particular, DHA is important for the developing brain, which accumulates large amounts of it during the first two years of life.  Compared to the rest of the body, the brain, retinas and nervous system contains very high levels of DHA. 

Deficiencies of essential nutrients during this phase can severely affect cognitive function and behavioral qualities throughout childhood and adult life.  Unfortunately the body can't make Omega-3s, so it’s critical that he consistently consumes a diet rich in DHA fish oil to promote his growth and development.

Giving your Toddler a headstart in Life

DHA helps boost the child’s brain

Infants who breastfed on mothers whose diets contain an abundance of of DHA fish oil have an edge in early development. ( Neural maturation of breastfed and formula-fed infants,2004).  These fish oil nutrients have a positive effect on the development of visual acuity (Visual function of infants weaned to formula with DHA, 2003) and cognitive function of the child, with higher IQ effects measurable up to the age of four.  (DHA supplements augments children’s IQ at age of four, 2003)

Omega-3 deficiency in children has been linked to behavorial problems. Studies on children with ADHD have been found to benefit with DHA supplements. ( The Oxford-Durham Study, DHA suplements in Children, 2006)

DHA helps boost the child’s health

Studies have also observed that these nutrients have positive effects on children’s immunity still apparent two years later. (DHA supplements for lactating mothers affect child’s immunity 2005) 

DHA fish oil supplements has been found to benefit children with bronchial asthma, reduce the symptoms of childhood depression, and lower the risk of getting type 1 diabetes.  A recent study has shown that toddlers consuming DHA have fewer adverse events and a lower incidence of respiratory illness. (DHA formula improves repiratory health of toddlers, Apr 2010)

Researchers have found children who have higher intakes of DHA tend to protect against the development of metabolic complications. Children with metabolic syndrome, which is characterized by obesity, register the lowest blood levels of DHA. ( EFA composition is associated with the metabolic syndrome and low-grade inflammation in overweight adolescents, 2005)

It is clear that in addition to its role in cognitive and visual development,  DHA has other benefits for children: 

1)  Improve behavior and learning disorders, including Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD) and Developmental Coordination Disorder (DCD)

2)  Promote maturation of the immune system

3)  Support a healthy weight and metabolism

  What are the important sources of DHA?