Why It’s Important to Provide DHA for Your Children
What is DHA?
According to a recent Children’s Nutrition Survey, most parents are not familiar with DHA and the many benefits to their child’s health. DHA is an omega-3 fatty acid found throughout the body, with significant amounts found in the heart, retinas and brain, where it accounts for up to 20 percent of total brain mass. DHA is important for brain and eye development and function throughout the lifecycle, but is particularly important between birth and five years of age, when the brain increases approximately three and a half times in mass. DHA is also the primary structural fat in both the brain and retina, and ensures that cells in the those areas, as well as the heart and other parts of the nervous system, develop and function properly.
Unfortunately, most children are not consuming optimal levels of DHA in their diet and this is due to several factors. The most common reason is that animal organ meats and fatty fish are the primary food sources for natural DHA. Neither are particularly well liked by young children, or even many adults for that matter. Some parents, including myself, do not like the idea of feeding their children organ meats, and are also concerned with the effect that contaminants found in fish, such as mercury and PCBs, have on the developing brain. Infants usually get enough DHA from breast milk and/or formula- assuming the mother is getting adequate DHA from her diet and the formula is fortified with DHA.
Most Children are DHA deficient
Fortunately, as awareness of the importance of DHA continues to grow, more attention is being paid to the fact that young children may benefit from getting more DHA in their diets. While the FDA does not have a regulation establishing a recommended daily intake, the agency has not objected to the use of 160mg as a daily value for DHA for children over four. The average U.S. child, ages from one to five years old, is shown to have DHA intakes ranging from only 20-30 mg/day. According to recent research, deficiency in DHA fatty acids has been linked to the following health issues in children:
- ADHD
- Allergies, asthma, and eczema
- Dyslexia
- Depression
- Reduced intelligence
- Sleep problems
- Temper tantrums
Quality is King
Thus, since the average child in America does not get an adequate intake of dietary DHA, most authorities and pediatricians recommend that children be given supplemental DHA. There are many DHA children’s supplements available on the market today, making it difficult for some parents to settle on a brand. When selecting a brand, it is imperative that you select a superior brand that is manufactured under the highest quality-control standards. You want to make sure that your child receives all the benefits of DHA without exposure to possible contaminants. Most omega-3 brands on the market today claim to go though a purifying process that removes heavy metals, dioxins, and PCBs. However, when you look at the fine print it will disclose that some of these contaminants were detected in the final product. Ideally, it is best to purchase a brand that is independently tested, is pharmaceutical-like in grade, uses fresh water fish and not farm-raised, and, last but not least, it passes the taste test with your little one. There are two manufacturers on the market today that meet all of the above criteria and more. By purchasing Nordic Naturals or Carlson Laboratories omega-3 supplements, you can rest assure that you are giving your child the best that money can buy.
Our Testimonial
The favorite in our house is Children’s DHA by Nordic Naturals. Nordic Naturals is considered by many to be the “gold standard” for omega-3 supplements. We like the fact that it is surpasses all pharmaceutical standards for freshness and purity, and that it tastes great! Our daughter loves the soft gels that are packed with a burst of strawberry flavor. She refers to them as her “nemo vitamins” ever since I mentioned early on that they looked like the baby fish from the movie Finding Nemo. Although it states on the label that the product is for use in children 3 years old and over, I confirmed with the manufacturer that this is not due to potency concerns, but rather the potential risk of choking in younger children. It also comes in a liquid. We used the liquid form early on, and then migrated to the soft gels around age 2. The liquid form has a much higher concentration of DHA per serving than the soft gels so you will need to adjust the serving size for your child’s age. For children 5 years old and up, their Omega 3-6-9 Junior formula is the product of choice. It is formulated for the dietary needs of older children.
Carlson Laboratories also produces an excellent product. They have been a family owned and operated business for over 40 years and their DHA supplements are independently tested in a FDA registered laboratory for purity. Their DHA comes in a liquid form in lemon or orange flavor, and also in chewable soft gels. As with Nordic Naturals, Carlson’s liquid form has a higher concentration of DHA compared to its DHA chewable so, again, you will need to adjust the serving size for age.
Either brand is an excellent choice. Carlson Laboratories will be slightly less expensive, but then Nordic Naturals is rated higher in overall consumer satisfaction. Our physician told us both brands were good, but that she held a slight preference to Nordic Naturals because of its reputation for high quality control standards. I make it a habit to taste most supplements that I give to my daughter. I have personally tasted Carlson’s lemon and orange flavored DHA and Nordic Natural’s strawberry, and I agree with my daughter- Nordic Naturals wins the taste test. You can always alternate between the two brands until you find your child’s favorite formula. The true importance here is making sure that you supplement your child’s diet with a quality DHA.
You can get these supplements at Amazon.com by clicking on the product links below. Many of these products are carried by Amazon and are subject to their free shipping. By accessing Amazon with the product links below I will receive a small referral fee from Amazon through their affiliate program. You will not be charged any additional amount by Amazon for this referral fee.
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