DHA for Babies and Kids – Benefits and Precautions

Did you know that DHA is a vital nutrient that people of all age groups require for their optimal growth and health? DHA is an omega-3 fatty acid used to improve health in children. The importance of DHA for infants and kids is highly regarded. Found naturally in many sources, the expectant mother is the primary giver of this acid when pregnant. The prenatal period is a window when the baby’s brain develops with the help of the right nutrition supplied through the placenta. DHA influences brain development, eyes and other primary neurological functions (1). It profoundly influences the first two years of life and the early stages of childhood. From birth until five years of age, the brain increases by 3.5 times its total mass, and it is of critical importance that DHA is consumed in adequate amounts to support the rapid growth of the brain.

What Is DHA?

Docosahexaenoic acid (DHA), a part of the omega-3 fatty acid family, is a long-chain polyunsaturated fatty acid often called ‘the healthy fats.’ It greatly influences our body as it keeps us healthy and is crucial for the optimal growth of the brain and eyes throughout our lives. In fact, the nutrient takes centre stage when neural tissues, including vision, are being formed in the womb. DHA supports our cognitive, visual and mental faculties as we age.

A healthy diet that provides about 600mg of DHA daily has a significant impact on the cognitive functions of the child and enhances the development of the brain and eyes. Organ meat and fatty fish are rich sources of naturally found DHA, but unfortunately, these are not commonly consumed by children as they are picky eaters and prone to allergies at times. Therefore, it becomes imperative that DHA and infants have a positive relationship right from the beginning. The growing awareness of its importance has led to its inclusion in milk, formula and other fortified foods, making it easier for people of all age groups, including children, to obtain the benefits of this important nutrient.

What Are the Benefits of DHA for Babies and Kids?

DHA for newborns has undoubtedly gained a lot of attention and is appearing in all places, from eggs and baby food to milk. Why should one care so much about this nutrient? Well, the answer is it is a beneficial fat. The role of DHA is accentuated during infancy and early years of childhood.

For Babies

DHA plays a key role in the structural component of the brain, eyes and nervous system (2). Breastmilk is high in DHA content and breastfed babies have strong mental and visual acuity (3).

For Kids

During the early infant years until five years of age, the brain makes rapid development and increases to about 4 times its total mass. Adequate DHA intake during these crucial years in important for optimal development and enhancement of cognitive functions. It has been researched and proven that children who have a good intake of DHA until five years of age have better IQ scores, tremendous memory, good reading skills and strong vision. Therefore, there are several food items like milk and baby cereal fortified with this nutrient and others to fulfil the requirement of DHA for toddlers and kids.

DHA deficiency could be common in children suffering from Attention Deficit Hyperactive Disorder (ADHD) (1). In a nutshell, DHA is imperative for neurological and visual development.

Recommended Dosage

While there are no guidelines for a daily DHA dosage for children, there are certain recommendations that exist for the intake of DHA plus eicosapentaenoic acid, or EPA.

For Babies

Babies who are breastfeeding will receive most of their DHA intake from the milk. Breastmilk is known to be high on DHA content. It is advisable for mother’s to increase their intake of DHA rich food while breastfeeding, A breastfeeding mother should aim at consuming at least 600-800 milligrams of DHA in a day via natural sources or supplements.

For Kids

From the age of 1.5 years to five years of age, the DHA requirement for children is recommended as 600 milligrams of combined DHA plus EPA per day for a child weighing 20 kilograms.

DHA Rich Food for Babies and Kids

There are certain foods that are rich in DHA that you can include in your child’s diet. Here are some DHA-rich foods for children of different ages.

1. DHA for Breastfed Babies

The best source of DHA for breastfed babies is from breast milk. The amount of DHA varies according to the mother’s diet and the quantity of omega-3 and DHA she receives. It is advisable for feeding mothers to include fish, eggs, yoghurts and dried nuts in their diet to help babies receive DHA for healthy development of the brain and retina of the eye. Formula-fed babies get their DHA intake only if the formula is fortified with it so it is important to read the labels.

2. DHA Foods for Toddlers and Kids

There are a lot of natural varieties of DHA food for toddlers and kids. Some foods that could feature in your child’s regular diet are:

• Salmon contains the highest content of DHA among the fish varieties and offers a healthy proportion of good omega-3 fats (4) (5)
• Eggs contain small amounts of DHA naturally, but you could also opt for DHA-enriched eggs from chickens fed with a supplemented diet
• DHA-enriched yoghurts are a staple on supermarket shelves and you could offer them to kids as a breakfast or light snack
• Peanut butter could be substituted for the sugar-rich jam as a spread to morning toast for kids
• Serve a handful of walnuts to your toddler as a delicious or healthy snack.
• Formula milk now comes with fortified DHA as manufacturers have realised the importance of DHA. There are some products specially designed for children aged 1 year and above and you could buy them after checking the label thoroughly.

Are DHA Supplements for Infants and Children Safe?

Numerous studies have covered the effects of DHA supplements on childhood development. Some research has proven that supplements affect the behaviour and cognitive abilities of a child. DHA supplements administered to children with learning disabilities helped them develop their mental capabilities to a certain extent. However, due to a lack of research, DHA supplements are not recommended for any condition in children. It is possible to achieve the needed intake by eating fatty fish, nuts and eggs in your diet. Discuss with your paediatrician about giving your kids DHA supplements and take his advice about the best DHA supplement for toddlers.

Precautions to Take While Giving DHA Supplements to Your Child

Mercury levels prevalent in seafood, when consumed in excess, could have an adverse effect on the cognitive development of a child. It is then that parents resort to DHA omega-3 supplements for kids. Supplements containing fish oil are purified and devoid of contaminating metals or minerals. However, small amounts of toxins may still be present. For breastfeeding babies, parents can buy DHA drops for infants in India. But, an excess of fish oil could lead to bleeding in children. So, it is mandatory that you seek consultation from the paediatrician before giving DHA supplements to determine the safe and effective dosage.

FAQs

1. Is DHA-fortified formula milk safe for babies?

Yes, babies can have DHA-fortified formula milk. 

2. What can I feed my children to meet their DHA requirements?

Fish, eggs, and milk can be given to babies above 1 year old to efficiently meet their DHA requirement. You can also consult with your doctor about sea Algae and fish oil supplements that also have DHA in them before giving them to your baby.

3. Can DHA boost intelligence in my baby?

Meeting the requirement of DHA in children is known to improve cognitive ability and behaviour in children (6).

DHA children and healthy children, as it is an important nutrient that fuels your baby’s optimal development. A well-balanced level of DHA has been linked to good retinal health and cognitive ability. The best way to include DHA in your child’s diet is to make every bite count by avoiding empty calories and choosing super foods that will give your baby the necessary nutrition.

References/Resources:

1. Horrocks LA, Yeo YK. Health benefits of docosahexaenoic acid (DHA). Pharmacol Res.; PubMed; https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/10479465/; September 1999

2. González FE, Báez RV. IN TIME: IMPORTANCE OF OMEGA 3 IN CHILDREN’S NUTRITION. Rev Paul Pediatr.; PubMed Central; https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC5417803/; January-March 2017

3. Calder PC. Docosahexaenoic Acid. Ann Nutr Metab.; PubMed; https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/27842299/; 2016

4. Docosahexaenoic acid (DHA); Mount Sinai; https://www.mountsinai.org/health-library/supplement/docosahexaenoic-acid-dha

5. Do Kids Need Omega 3 Fats?; Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics; https://www.eatright.org/health/essential-nutrients/fats/do-kids-need-omega-3-fats

6. Kuratko CN, Barrett EC, Nelson EB, Salem N Jr. The relationship of docosahexaenoic acid (DHA) with learning and behavior in healthy children: a review. Nutrients.; PubMed Central; https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC3738999/; July 2013

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