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A complete guide from A to Z: Is DHA supplementation for newborns essential?

During the first golden period of life, providing DHA to newborn babies through food and complementary products is extremely important to support comprehensive brain and vision development. So how do we supplement DHA to achieve optimal results during this period?

What is DHA? Sources of DHA for infants

Definition and origin of DHA

 

DHA (Docosahexaenoic Acid) is an unsaturated fatty acid belonging to the Omega-3 group, very important for the development of the brain and vision of infants. Supplementing adequate DHA from the first days of life will help children develop comprehensively in the brain, vision and immune system. DHA is mainly found in animal and plant food sources, specifically:

  • DHA comes from fish: Salmon, tuna and mackerel are "superfoods" rich in DHA, helping babies absorb easily and supporting brain development. However, the fishy taste of fish can make some children uncomfortable, especially young children.
  • DHA derived from Microalgae Schizochytrium species: Algae is a "silent hero" with a pure source of plant DHA, not fishy at all, and extremely gentle for the baby's weak digestive system. In particular, DHA from seaweed is favoured by many mothers because it is safe, easy to absorb and is often found in high-quality complementary products for infants.

3 main sources of DHA for newborn babies from 0 to 6 months old 

Did you know there are many different sources of DHA that newborn babies can absorb? In many medical studies, there are 3 popular sources of DHA that mothers can refer to to choose the most effective, safe and suitable supplement method for each stage of their baby's development!

  1. DHA from breast milk: Breast milk is considered the most natural and perfect source of DHA for infants. The DHA content in breast milk depends greatly on the mother's diet. If the mother consumes foods rich in DHA such as salmon, and tuna, or uses Omega-3 supplements, the baby will receive abundant DHA to develop the brain, vision, and nervous system. . Therefore, mothers need to pay attention to their nutrition to ensure that their babies receive the necessary amount of DHA.
  2. DHA in formula: For babies who cannot breastfeed exclusively, formula supplemented with DHA is an alternative. Many formula milk today are supplemented with DHA to support children's brain and vision development. However, when compared to natural DHA from breast milk, DHA in formula is often of synthetic origin and the extent of absorption may vary. This makes many mothers wonder whether formula milk provides the necessary amount of DHA. Mothers should carefully review the DHA content in formula milk and consult a nutritionist to choose the appropriate product.
  3. DHA from food sources: After your baby enters the weaning stage, foods rich in DHA such as salmon and mackerel can become effective sources of DHA supplementation. Salmon, in particular, contains large amounts of DHA - up to 1.1g per 100g, which helps enhance your baby's brain development. However, for infants, mothers should consult a doctor before supplementing foods to ensure safety and avoid the risk of allergies. In addition, DHA products extracted from plants such as seaweed are also a safe and easy-to-absorb choice, especially for children who are sensitive to seafood.

Is DHA supplementation for newborns from 0 to 6 months necessary?

Supplementing DHA for newborn babies from 0 to 6 months is extremely important because this is a period of rapid and essential development of the baby's brain and nervous system. So why is supplementing DHA so important? Join Vitatree to discover why DHA is an indispensable "companion" for your baby's optimal development in the first months of life.

2.1 Brain development and later learning ability

DHA is the secret weapon that helps your baby develop their brain optimally

DHA is a key component in nerve cell membranes, accounting for up to 40% of fatty acids in the brain. Providing adequate DHA in the first months of life not only helps build a solid brain foundation for your baby but also creates momentum for excellent learning, memory and thinking abilities in the future. This is the "secret weapon" that helps children develop their intelligence optimally.

2.2 Enhance vision

DHA plays an essential role in the development and function of the retina, helping to form light-receiving cells, and limiting the risk of eye defects such as early macular degeneration and other eye diseases. in the future. Many studies have shown that adequate DHA supplementation in the newborn period not only helps babies have better eyesight and the ability to perceive colours more clearly but also protects long-term eye health.

2.3 Supports the immune system

DHA plays an important role in strengthening the child's immune system, helping the child's body increase its ability to fight infections. Especially in the early stages of life, when the baby's immune system is still in the process of being completed, DHA helps reduce the risk of diseases and increase resistance, while ensuring the baby develops healthily and strongly. strong. 

2.4 Enhance the overall health

Regular DHA supplementation not only supports children's brain and vision development but also contributes to improving overall health. DHA helps babies sleep deeper and improve eating habits, thereby reducing crying and creating favourable conditions for strong physical development. This balance not only makes your baby feel more comfortable but also helps your baby grow healthy and active throughout the first years of life.

Key Considerations When Supplementing DHA for Babies Over 6 Months

As the baby enters the weaning phase (from 6 months onward), milk is no longer the primary source of nutrition, and DHA supplementation becomes more important than ever. Here are some key considerations to ensure DHA supplementation is effective:

Choose Quality Products

 As the baby begins eating solids, parents can supplement DHA through specialized products such as DHA drops, capsules, or syrups. Some factors to consider when choosing DHA supplements include:

  • DHA content: Choose products with DHA levels appropriate for the baby’s age and developmental needs.
  • Product form: Opt for easy-to-consume forms like drops, syrups, or soft capsules that can be easily administered. Ensure the product is non-fishy to facilitate easier acceptance by the baby.

You should choose products derived from plants

DHA extracted from fish is known for its many health benefits, but today, DHA from seaweed is increasingly being chosen by many mothers as a perfect alternative. Not only is it a completely plant-based source of DHA, but this product also helps minimize heavy metals and toxic impurities commonly found in DHA from marine fish. 

In particular, DHA from algae is an ideal choice for families who are vegetarian or have children allergic to seafood, thanks to its benign and easily digestible nature, suitable for the sensitive digestive system of infants. born. With a combination of safety and effectiveness, DHA from algae gives parents absolute peace of mind in taking care of their baby's health most naturally and effectively.

Monitor and adjust the appropriate amount of DHA for each stage

When supplementing DHA for your baby, it is important not only to provide enough but also the correct dose of DHA needed for your baby following each stage of the child's development. Although DHA is essential for your baby's development, excessive supplementation can cause unwanted side effects. 

Therefore, to ensure that your baby receives the most reasonable and safe amount of DHA, parents should refer to the usage instructions on the product label from the manufacturer. This helps optimize the benefits of DHA while protecting your baby's health during each stage of development.

The most effective time to use DHA

When to Use DHA Effectively The best time to supplement DHA is during meals, because DHA is more easily absorbed in the presence of fat. Parents should create a habit of regularly supplementing DHA for their babies to ensure optimal effectiveness.

Supplementing DHA for infants from the first days of life is essential to support the baby's brain development, vision and overall health. Choose a quality DHA source suitable for each stage and ensure your baby receives enough nutrients to develop healthily.

Kids High Strength DHA Algae Oil plus Lutein pills support brain and eye development

When choosing DHA for newborn babies, choosing high-quality products is very important to ensure the child's comprehensive development. DHA from Algae in Kids High Strength DHA Algae Oil plus Lutein pills not only provides essential fatty acids with a content of 400mg for brain and vision development but is also a safe and easy-to-take option, with no odour. fishy. Besides, the product also adds Lutein to help protect and improve your baby's eyesight. Choose DHA Vitatree to bring your baby the best development right from the first years of life!

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