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DHA is an essential nutrient for a child's brain and vision development. But even with the best intentions, many parents don't achieve the results they hope for. This is often due to common mistakes in supplementing with DHA that many people overlook. What are these errors? Let's find out so you can avoid wasting resources and help your child develop their full potential!
Why Is DHA So Important For Young Children?
Why Is DHA So Important For Young Children?
DHA is a vital Omega-3 fatty acid that makes up a significant portion of the brain and retina. Experts call the period from 0 to 6 years old the "golden window" because this is when a child's brain grows and develops most rapidly.
Providing your child with enough DHA during this stage plays a crucial role in:
- Building and connecting millions of nerve cells: DHA helps build and complete brain structure, strengthening neural connections and creating a solid foundation for all cognitive activities.
- Improving memory, focus, and language skills: A brain with sufficient DHA helps children have better memory and concentration, allowing them to learn and acquire language more quickly and effectively.
- Supporting healthy vision: DHA makes up a large part of the retina, helping visual cells develop and improving a child's eyesight.
- Reducing the risk of developmental delays and behavioral disorders: Studies have shown that children who receive adequate DHA have better cognitive and behavioral abilities than those who are deficient.
However, for these amazing benefits to be fully realized, it's essential to be mindful and avoid the common mistakes listed below.
>>> Read more: Is Pure DHA Important, or Is Regular DHA Enough for Children?
Common DHA Supplementation Mistakes – Are You Making Any?
Common DHA Supplementation Mistakes – Are You Making Any?
1. Choosing the wrong source of DHA.
This is one of the most common mistakes parents make. Many believe that all DHA is the same, but the source of the supplement significantly impacts its absorption and safety.
- DHA from fish oil: This source often has a fishy smell, which can be difficult for young children to tolerate. Furthermore, due to environmental pollution, marine fish are at risk of accumulating heavy metals like mercury and lead, which can negatively affect a child's health and development.
- DHA from microalgae: This source is considered far superior. DHA from microalgae is pure, clean, and free from the risk of heavy metal contamination. It doesn't have a fishy taste, is easily absorbed, and is especially safe for infants and toddlers. Microalgae are the direct source of DHA for fish, so using DHA from microalgae is like getting it straight from the origin.
2. Supplementing at the wrong time of day.
Did you know that DHA is a fatty acid, so its absorption depends heavily on what you eat? Giving your child DHA in the evening or on an empty stomach will result in very poor absorption and can even cause digestive discomfort.
The best time to give your child DHA is:
- After a meal: Ideally after breakfast or lunch, when the meal contains some fat (cooking oil, butter, eggs, etc.). This helps the DHA dissolve and absorb into the body most effectively.
- Avoid evenings: Supplementing with DHA in the evening can cause indigestion and bloating, which can affect some children's sleep.
>>> Read more: At what age should children start taking DHA? Should DHA Be Supplemented Daily
3. Using the wrong dosage.
With the mindset of "better safe than sorry," many parents increase their child's DHA dosage on their own if they feel their child isn't "as smart as their peers." Conversely, some parents give their child too little, which isn't enough for the DHA to have a significant effect.
In 2010, the FAO provided the following recommended daily intake of essential fatty acids for children:
- 0-6 months: DHA needs 0.1–0.18% of daily energy
- 6-24 months: DHA needs 10–12 mg/kg of body weight per day
- 2-4 years: 100–150 mg (DHA + EPA) per day
- 4-6 years: 150–200 mg (DHA + EPA) per day
- 6-10 years: 200–250 mg (DHA + EPA) per day
Not enough DHA will fail to meet the rapid developmental needs of the brain and eyes, leading to lackluster or disappointing results. On the other hand, an excess of DHA can cause digestive upset, abdominal pain, and discomfort.
Each age and developmental stage requires a different amount of DHA. It's best to consult a pediatrician or follow the dosage instructions on the label of a reputable product to ensure maximum safety and effectiveness.
4. Not being consistent and giving up after a few weeks.
DHA is not a quick fix; its effects aren't immediate. Much like building a house, DHA needs time to accumulate and build up brain and retinal cells. Many parents, being impatient, give up after seeing "no effect" after only a few weeks, which is a waste of money and a missed opportunity during their child's golden developmental window.
In reality, you need to supplement with DHA consistently for at least 3-6 months to see a noticeable change in your child's focus, memory, and reflexes. Consistency and patience are the keys to DHA's long-term effectiveness.
How To Supplement DHA the Right Way?
How To Supplement DHA the Right Way?
To avoid the mistakes above and help DHA be as effective as possible, follow these three golden rules:
1. Prioritize natural DHA from microalgae.
As mentioned earlier, microalgae is a clean, pure, and easily absorbed source of DHA without the risk of heavy metal contamination. It's the optimal, safe, and effective choice for a child's development, especially for infants and toddlers.
2. Combine DHA with Lutein for vision support.
DHA is essential for the brain and retina, but it becomes even more effective when combined with Lutein. Lutein is like a natural "shield" that protects the macula of the eye and filters out harmful blue light. The combination of DHA and Lutein creates a dual-action formula that supports both brain development and eye protection, helping your child's vision and cognitive skills develop comprehensively.
3. Choose a product with international quality standards.
Choose a product with international quality standards
It's best to choose products with a clear origin, manufactured in countries with strict standards such as Australia, the US, or Germany.
- Look for certifications: Look for certifications like GMP from the Ministry of Health. These are highly reputable international certifications that ensure the product is manufactured under strict, safe, and high-quality processes.
- Buy from official distributors: Purchase products from official distributors to avoid counterfeit goods and ensure the quality and DHA content are as promised.
To optimize your child's brain and vision development, you can consider Vitatree Kids High Strength DHA Algae Oil Plus Lutein. With its pure DHA from microalgae, combined with Lutein, and manufactured to Australian standards with quality control from the Vietnamese Ministry of Health, it's a reliable, safe, and effective choice for supplementing your child's DHA needs.