What does DHA actually do? Does it work for the brain or not?

What exactly is DHA?

DHA is a major element in the growth and maintenance of cells of the nervous system, as well as an important component of the human brain and retina. To put it bluntly, DHA is a very important unsaturated fatty acid for the human body, and is an important member of the omega-3 family of unsaturated fatty acids.dha certification

DHA is found in about 20% of the cerebral cortex and 50% of the retina of the eye.

What is the "magic" of DHA?

1. Helps babies' brain development

During pregnancy, DHA optimizes the composition of phospholipids in the fetal brain's cone cells. Especially after the fetus reaches 5 months, such as artificial stimulation of the fetus's sense of hearing, vision, touch, will cause the neurons of the sensory center of the fetal cerebral cortex to grow more dendrites, which requires the mother to supply the fetus with more DHA at the same time.sialic acid market

2. Effectively reduce the incidence of bronchitis and bronchiolitis minor

Babies supplemented with DHA and ARA during infancy not only have a significantly lower incidence of bronchitis and bronchiolitis than babies not supplemented with DHA and ARA within one year of age, but also have a significantly lower incidence of upper respiratory infections and general allergic diseases than babies not supplemented with DHA and ARA within three years of age.food ingredients asia

3. Promote the maturation of retinal photoreceptor cells in babies.

DHA not only plays an important role in fetal brain development, but also plays an important role in the maturation of retinal photoreceptor cells. Pregnant women can boost their Α-linolenic acid levels during pregnancy by consuming foods rich in Α-linolenic acid, which is used to synthesize dHA in the mother's bloodstream. DHA is then transported to the fetal brain and retina, where it increases the maturation of nerve cells.

When is the best time for babies to take DHA?

6 months - 2 years old is the age when babies grow and develop most rapidly, and DHA can produce a large amount of the vital hormones that contribute to the development of the brain to meet the developmental needs of babies. In addition, a proper intake of DHA can lead to better hand-eye coordination, and this effect is most obvious before the age of 2.

Therefore, DHA supplementation for babies should be seized during the golden period of 6 months - 2 years old. After the baby is 2 years old, DHA as a necessary nutrient to maintain human health can also continue to eat.

Babies need different amounts of DHA at different times of growth and development.

So how much DHA should you give your baby?

1. Breastfeeding mothers and babies 0-6 months old

Breastfed babies get all the DHA they need every day from their mothers, so breastfeeding mothers need to get at least 400mg of DHA every day. if you are not breastfeeding, then choose a formula that contains DHA for your baby.

2. 6 months - 2 years old babies

100 mg of DHA per day. Choose foods that contain DHA for your baby, such as cheese and baby rice flour. Children can also eat milk and eggs after one year old. In addition, sea fish, fish oil, and turtle also contain DHA. also if your child is advised to take DHA supplements, then about 150 mg per week is safe.

3. 2-5 year olds

Children in this age group need about 200 mg of DHA per day, and there are some marketed foods that contain DHA, such as cereals and cheese, so check food labels carefully. Also if DHA supplements are recommended for your child, then 250-300 mg per week is safe.

brain dha food ingredients DHA

76