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Let’s explore with Vitatree the importance of DHA for children's comprehensive brain development, the appropriate daily dosage based on age, and the right time to start supplementing DHA for kids.
Why Is DHA Important for Young Children?
The period from 0–6 years old is known as the "golden phase" for brain and vision development. This is when the child’s brain rapidly grows in both structure and function, laying a strong foundation for learning ability, cognition, vision, and behavior throughout life.
DHA is an essential nutrient for the development of children’s brain and eyes.
What Is DHA?
DHA (Docosahexaenoic Acid) is a type of omega-3 fatty acid that makes up a significant part of the brain and retina in children. Since the human body cannot produce enough DHA on its own, it must be obtained through diet or nutritional supplements.
In children, DHA functions as a structural building block for developing the nervous system and visual system. Sufficient DHA intake supports cognitive development, visual acuity, and reflexes, especially during the first 6 years of life.
DHA’s Role in Brain, Vision, and Overall Development
DHA plays a crucial role in the development of the brain and eyes:
Brain Development Across Critical Stages:
At birth, a baby’s brain is only about 22% the weight of an adult brain, increases to 77% by age 2, and reaches 95% of adult brain size by age 6.
Therefore, daily DHA supplementation from birth to age 6 is vital to support central nervous system formation, cognitive ability, and full visual development, helping enhance early recognition and learning.
Enhancing Vision and Preventing Myopia:
From 2–6 years old, children begin to engage more with books, screens, and learning environments. If not cared for properly, this can lead to eye strain, dryness, or early-onset myopia.
Supplementing DHA during this stage helps enhance retinal development, protect eye health, support visual clarity, and prevent vision problems.
Stimulating Cognitive Abilities:
Preschool age (2–6 years) is when cognitive development is most active. Children develop language, imagination, memory, and logical thinking. DHA acts as a “catalyst” to make brain development more effective and smooth.
Strengthening Immunity:
DHA also supports energy metabolism and immune system function. Adequate daily DHA intake boosts immunity, reducing illness frequency and helping children grow both physically and mentally.
When Should Children Start Taking DHA Daily?
Every parent knows DHA supports brain and eye development, but when should you start supplementing? For how long, and until what age?
Here’s a breakdown by age:
- Infants (0–6 months):
Breast milk and formula are the best sources of nutrients, including DHA, during this phase. There’s no need for external DHA supplements at this stage.
- Babies (6–12 months):
This is the ideal time to start daily DHA supplementation.
As babies begin solid foods, their nutritional needs increase, especially for DHA. Introduce DHA-rich foods like salmon, eggs, and dairy, and consider using age-appropriate DHA supplements.
- Toddlers (1–6 years old): A critical phase
Between 1 and 6 years old, the brain grows rapidly, reaching 95% of adult size. Cognitive functions like memory, language, thinking, and information processing develop significantly. Vision also matures especially as children interact with books and screens more often.
This is why consistent daily DHA supplementation is crucial for optimizing brain and vision development.
- Children Over 6 Years Old:
As children enter school, they face increasing cognitive demands. DHA helps enhance focus, information retention, and long-term memory. It also supports eye health, particularly in this digital era.
Recommended DHA Dosage by Age
Even though DHA is essential, parents often don’t know how much DHA their child needs. Too little may be ineffective, but too much can affect digestion. Always follow WHO guidelines or consult a pediatrician.
Age Group, Recommended Daily DHA
- 0–6 months: Adequate from breast milk or formula (~0.1–0.18% of total energy)
- 6–12 months: ~100 mg/day
- 1–3 years: 100–150 mg/day
- 4–6 years: 150–200 mg/day
- Above 6 years: 200–250 mg/day or as advised by a healthcare provider
From 6 months old onward, children can start taking DHA via food or supplements. Ages 1–6 mark a golden opportunity for brain and vision development, so timely DHA supplementation is critical.
Some parents mistakenly believe DHA is no longer needed once the brain reaches 95% of its final size. But studies show that during school age, memory and focus still depend on continued brain support. DHA helps maintain the benefits gained in early development.
Key Notes for Supplementing DHA in Children
- Do not overdose: Never exceed recommended DHA intake without medical advice.
- Prioritize natural sources: Include DHA-rich foods like salmon, tuna, eggs, milk, and nuts.
- Choose the right supplement: Pick age-appropriate DHA in an easy-to-absorb form (like algae oil or chewable capsules) from a trusted brand.
- Consult a healthcare professional: Always seek advice if your child has allergies, digestive issues, or is on medication.
- Be consistent: Combine daily DHA supplementation with a balanced diet and healthy lifestyle.
So, at What Age Should DHA Be Supplemented?
From 6 months old, children should receive daily DHA in the appropriate dose for each stage. The 1–6 age group is the most important period for brain, vision, and immune development.
Vitatree Supporting Your Child’s Healthy Development
Vitatree Kids High Strength DHA Algae Oil plus Lutein supplement is specially formulated to support your child’s brain and vision health.
Made from 400mg of Schizochytrium algae, delivering 160mg of pure DHA, this product avoids the drawbacks of fish-based DHA. It's currently the only product on the market that combines algae-based DHA with Lutein, a nutrient crucial for protecting children’s eyes from blue light and enhancing vision.
This golden duo algae DHA and Lutein offers synergistic effects on both the brain and eyes, making it an essential supplement in early childhood.