DHA supplementation for children plays an important role in the first year of life. What is the best way to ensure appropriate and effective infant DHA supplementation?
What is DHA? Functions of DHA
DHA (or Docosahexaenoic Acid) is an omega-3 fatty acid that can be found inside the brain.
DHA is one of the main components of the human brain as well as its retina. DHA also contributes to the development of the nervous system and cognition of infants. Furthermore, DHA also supports the normal functioning of other cells of the body.
DHA supplementation for infants improves vision and helps children’s eyes become clearer and brighter. In addition, if the mother can provide the right type of DHA to her baby during the first years of life, it can help develop the child’s ability to learn excellently in the later stages of development.
Children and infants who are deficient in DHA can develop various diseases, such as hyperactivity disorder, depression, attention deficit, cognitive impairment, cystic fibrosis, risk of developing Alzheimer’s disease in later years. , etc. We can see the importance of DHA supplementation for infants.
Under what circumstances should DHA supplements be given to infants?
Parents must make sure to choose foods high in DHA to provide DHA for their child if the child is in one of the risk groups listed below:
Baby born premature but not full term
Premature babies don’t get enough DHA because they don’t get enough DHA from their mothers. If a baby is born prematurely, the body’s ability to convert precursor fatty acids into DHA in large amounts leads to a DHA deficiency after birth.
If the baby is not breastfed or the milk supply is not enough to provide the required amount of DHA
Breast milk is the most effective source of DHA for infants during the first six months of life. If the child is not breastfed or breast milk does not meet the child’s DHA needs, the mother must also supplement DHA for the child.
Anorexia baby
DHA-rich foods such as seafood, fish will support DHA supplementation for babies. Therefore, these items should be included in the child’s menu to increase the amount of DHA needed.
Children with dyslexia, autism and attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD)
DHA supplementation for children is important to help relieve symptoms in children.
How long can babies take DHA supplements?
According to nutritionists, infants 6 months old and children under 24 months of age who are exclusively breastfed will reach the recommended amount of DHA and do not need additional DHA.
In case the mother’s milk supply is not enough or the baby refuses to breastfeed, the mother can buy formula milk or functional foods containing DHA to provide DHA for the baby. However, it’s important to talk to your doctor before giving formula to your baby.
The period from 1 to 6 years old is a period of rapid brain development of children, which is why the function of DHA is so important for children at this time. At this age when the child’s brain is active and the child is learning, exploring the world around and developing intellectually. Therefore, mothers must determine what is the right DHA for their children and provide them with adequate DHA.
Guidelines for correct and complete DHA supplementation for children
Dosage and dosage of DHA supplements for infants
Many parents believe that giving their children more DHA is more beneficial. However, the reality is that children need different amounts of DHA at different ages.
The dosage of DHA is obtained from sources such as: World Health Organization (WHO), European Food Safety Authority (EFSA), Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (FAO). Whereby:
- Children from one to one year old: Children need about 70-200 mg of DHA per day.
- Children 1 to 6 years old: The recommended dose of DHA is 75 mg/day
- Children over 6 years old: provide DHA for children in meals in a reasonable way to support children to improve cognitive ability, improve memory, focus on learning.
What time of day should children take DHA supplements?
Enhance DHA for children in the morning This is when the child’s body is still fresh and healthy, is the ideal time to supplement DHA for children through nutritional sources. Breakfast snacks are full of fat, including eggs, avocado and fish, milk and olive oil, among others.
Supplementing DHA at night: According to British research, supplementing DHA for babies at night will help both mother and baby sleep more comfortably and longer. Supplementing with DHA at night can help the body get positive energy in the morning.
How often do you give your child a DHA supplement?
According to the advice of experts, mothers can divide into 2-3 times per year to increase DHA for children, not daily.
Moreover, to know the frequency of taking DHA for babies, parents must take the baby to the doctor for examination and more accurate recommendations.
DHA supplements for children
Give your child DHA by consuming the following foods:
Fatty fish
Fatty fish like mackerel, salmon, carp… contain excellent amounts of DHA. However, it is important to consume marine fish in moderation (about 300g per week) to minimize the risk of mercury poisoning.
Yolk
Egg yolk contains a lot of DHA and Choline, which is very suitable for young children. Perfectly cooked eggs contain the highest amount of DHA Do not eat hard boiled or beaten eggs.
Nuts
Walnuts, almonds, peanuts, etc. are all good to include in infant DHA-fortified snacks as it supports cognitive and eye development. The milk of these nuts is also beneficial, as it provides a wide range of nutrients that are not DHA.
Green vegetables
All green vegetables, including watercress, cauliflower, kale and pumpkin and many more. rich in DHA. But mothers should only buy clean, healthy vegetables without pesticides, and then process them to ensure food safety and hygiene.
6 great types of DHA loved by many moms
On the market, there are many types of DHA classified into two forms: syrup form and syrup form. Based on the needs and age of the newborn, the mother chooses the right product.
Here are some of the most well-known types of DHA that mothers can rely on to supplement DHA for their children:
Bio Island supplement with DHA
If you are wondering what kind of supplement to choose to supplement DHA for your child, think about DHA Bio Island 60 tablets. This is said to be the most effective DHA supplement for infants and is very safe for the health of young children.
In addition, the product is also available in the form of small fish-shaped tablets with the mildest flavor, which means it is enjoyable and simple to consume even for infants. Even if the child does not like taking the medicine, it can be taken.
Element
DHA Bio Island is formulated with DHA from microalgae. It’s not fish-based, so it doesn’t contain mercury, which a child’s body can absorb very easily.
Use
- Children 7 months to six years old: one tablet daily
- Children 7 to 11 to 11 years old: Two capsules per day
- Children 12 years of age and older, three tablets per day or their mothers give them to children under the supervision of a specialist
Note: For children under 5 years old, the mother can cut off the end of the capsule, use a spoon to squeeze the essence before giving it to the baby directly or mix it with the baby’s food.
Healthy Care DHA Tablets
DHA Healthy Care may be one of the top DHA for children and infants. loved by many mothers today. It has a pleasant taste, is easy to drink and is suitable for children to use.
Element
Healthy Care DHA for children is sourced from Australia and includes healthy fish-derived omega-3 fatty acids, especially for children.
Furthermore it has no chemical preservatives, chemicals or allergens.
No side effects
Use
Children 4 months and older can take DHA Healthy Care tablets. Especially:
- Children from 4 months to 6 months old: take 1 capsule a day (Mother can cut the capsule to get the necessary substances for the baby)
- Children 6 months – 12 months 1 tablet per day
- Children from 1 year to 12 years old 2 tablets per day
- Children 12 years and older 3 tablets a day
Childlife Pure DHA tablets
DHA Childlife Pure is America’s best-selling DHA baby product line sold in Vietnam as well as different countries around the globe. Therefore, mothers supplementing DHA for their children with Childlife Pure products are being preferred by many breastfeeding mothers.
Element
The product is made from pure DHA. Moreover, it contains many other nutrients, such as: Vitamin E, Vitamin A, Vitamin D and EPA are the most important fats for your body. This substance supports the brain development of babies more effectively.
In particular, this baby DHA supplement has no artificial sweeteners or colors, so it is completely healthy for your baby’s health.
Use
- Children 6 months to one year old: 1 to 2 tablets daily
- Children 2 to 4 years old: 4-6 tablets per day
- Children from 5 to 12 years old: 6-8 tablets per day
DHA Baby’s DHA Syrup
If you want to increase the amount of DHA for your baby, you can do it with syrup because your baby is still young and doesn’t know how to use up all the pills. Parents may consider trying DHA Syrup which is currently the highest rated product for the formation of healthier brain cells. It can also improve eyesight and keep eyes healthy.
and especially to prevent the baby’s crying at night.
Element
DHA Baby Syrup is made from Pure Fish Oil which is made from the molecular form of Triglycerides, which means it is very simple to absorb. The fish used in production is completely wild caught from the cold northern seas and certified according to international standards for the highest quality and purity.
In addition, it does not contain metals, impurities or other dangerous chemicals. Therefore, mothers who supplement DHA for their children using Baby’s DHA Syrup are completely assured.
Use
The baby’s weight will determine the amount of DHA and height, the amount of DHA will vary depending on the weight.
- Children from 2kg to 4.5kg: 1.0 ml/day
- Children from 5kg to 9kg: 2.0 ml / day
- Children starting from 9.5kg to 11kg 3.0 ml/day
- Children from 12kg to 13.5kg: 4.0 ml/day
- Children weighing 14kg to 16kg 5.0 ml/day
Note: When mothers supplement DHA for their children by giving them Baby’s DHA Syrup, they can give them directly and dissolve the syrup with water or milk and then pour it for their children to drink.
Siro Drops Natures Aid
Drops Natures Aid syrup is considered a very good DHA supplement for babies.
Element
Drops Natures Aid DHA is created by consuming wild Australian marine fish. Therefore, mothers do not need to worry about the quality and safety standards of the product. the health of their baby.
Furthermore, this product does not use artificial colors and flavors. It also contains no dairy products, sugar or gluten to reduce allergic reactions.
Delicious syrup with lemon flavor is easy to drink, suitable for babies. If the mother can give the child the right amount of food and a good choice, it will help strengthen the child’s physical strength as well as help the child’s brain and physical development in all aspects.
Use
- To ensure the highest quality DHA is provided to the child, the mother must provide the child with DHA syrup after meals at a dose of 1ml per day.
- Note to shake the product before use and only use within 4 months after opening to ensure the best product quality when used.
Nature’s Way Kids Smart Drops Siro DHA
If you are looking for a good DHA supplement for babies, you cannot ignore Nature’s way Children Smart Drops. This is an emulsified syrup that is perfect for children and infants who are new to tablets.
Element
The main ingredients that make up Nature’s Way Kids Smart Drops:
Axit docosahexaenoic (DHA)
Axit eicosapentaenoic (EPA)
In particular, the natural supplement with both DHA and EPA is very simple for children to absorb, without preservatives, colors and flavors, completely safe for baby’s health.
Use
- Baby 1 month to 12 months 0.5ml/day
- Children from 1 year old to 2 years old 1ml/day
- Children over 2 years old 2ml/day
Important: Before giving the product to the child, the mother must shake the product well. The product can be dropped directly into the child’s mouth or mixed with milk, juice, or food.
Some notes to keep in mind when supplementing with DHA for babies
Parents should note the following points to ensure proper DHA supplementation for their children:
It is important to choose DHA items from big, well-known, well-known brands to ensure the quality of the product. Furthermore, you can look up reviews from past customers to determine if the product is excellent.
Supplementing with DHA by eating dietary supplements tends to cause fewer adverse negative effects. However, it is very rare to have an allergic reaction such as swelling of the face or mouth, difficulty breathing and an itchy tongue as well as chills, fever, etc. It is essential to bring your child to a medical center for examination and treatment. case of unusual symptoms after use.
Based on location and overall health Parents can supplement DHA for their children. Some children don’t need DHA supplements, but the more DHA you consume, the more knowledgeable you are. DHA supplementation for infants needs to be carefully examined by parents and then consulted by a medical professional to ensure the correct dosage according to the instructions.
In some cases such as blood disease, cardiovascular disease, immunodeficiency, allergies, etc., it is necessary to consult a doctor before use.
Children under 1 year of age can supplement DHA through formula milk or breast milk containing DHA. It is not mandatory to increase DHA for children by taking supplements.
