You must have noticed the term ‘DHA’ on the label or packaging of many nutritional and health products. Ever wondered what it is and why it is necessary for your children?
Docosahexaenoic Acid (DHA) is a type of Omega-3 fatty acid that is vital for the growth and development of children. Let’s take a look at the benefits of DHA for children:
1. Supports Brain Development
DHA plays an integral role in the functional development of children, especially from infancy till the age of five years. The primary reason is that DHA is the most important fatty acid in the brain. It improves cognitive and learning ability, memory, concentration, IQ, speech and reading. It also improves other brain functions such as neurotransmission (sending messages to the brain) and neurogenesis (growing new connections and pathways to messages).
2. Aids Eye Health
DHA supports eye development and function in children. It acts as a structural component of the retina. This is because the retina has a high concentration of DHA. Children who consume DHA have better visual acuity (sharpness). DHA also shields against exposure to bright light.
3. Improves ADHD
Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD) is a common chronic neurodevelopmental condition of childhood. Children with ADHD have trouble paying attention, feel restless and are too impulsive. DHA can alleviate ADHD symptoms in such children to a considerable extent.
4. Reduces Allergies
Some children are prone to allergies such as wheezing, itching, rashes, nasal congestion, etc. DHA can effectively fight inflammation and suppress the symptoms of allergy.
5. Boosts Immunity
Medical and health experts have always emphasised the importance of a strong immune system. However, the COVID-19 pandemic has brought it into limelight. It can enhance B cells which are a type of white blood cells that produce antibody molecules. It can also increase gut immunity. Hence, DHA is a vital nutrient for your children’s immunity.
Sources of DHA
The human body naturally synthesises DHA but not in an adequate quantity. Hence, your children need to eat DHA-rich food items. DHA is primarily found in breast milk, fish (especially salmon, sardines and tuna), walnuts, and fortified or DHA-enriched foods such as milk, yoghurt and eggs.
However, at times food alone may not be enough to provide a sufficient amount of DHA. Hence, your children’s paediatrician may recommend Omega 3 with DHA supplements. These days, it is easy to give DHA in the form of healthy gummy vitamins to your children. These DHA and vitamin C gummies are appealing in nature due to their shape, colours and flavours. So, children don’t say no to consuming them.
Fundoze is one of the safest and most trustworthy brands for 100% natural vitamin gummies with nutrients like DHA and Omega 3. Its gummies are free from preservatives and chemicals. These gummies provide balanced nutrition to your children.
DHA is an essential nutrient for your children. Make sure that they get it in an adequate quantity every day.
