Table of contents:
- What are the benefits of DHA for children?
- Brain development
- Birth weight
- Protect your little one from disease
- How much is the need for DHA intake per day?
- Food sources of DHA that are safe for pregnant and lactating women
Some of you may already know how important DHA is (Docosahexaenoic acid) for your little one's brain growth. The best period for optimizing your little one's growth is during the first 1000 days of life (from conception until your little one is two years old). Therefore, from pregnant women to breastfeeding, the daily needs of DHA for children need to be continuously considered.
What are the benefits of DHA for children?
The little one in the fetus can get DHA from the food that the mother consumes and after that DHA continues through breast milk. DHA is very important for the little one even when the mother cannot get DHA from food or supplements, the body will use the DHA from the mother herself to be given to the little one during pregnancy and through breast milk after birth.
Here's more about the benefits of DHA for children:
Brain development
The effect of DHA for children in supporting your little one's brain development has been proven by several studies. One of them is research conducted in Australia. The results showed that the little one and the mother who received high doses of fish oil (including DHA) during the second trimester of pregnancy, had higher scores in the eye-hand coordination test.
Birth weight
Researchers at Maastricht University, The Netherlands, found a "significant positive association" between maternal DHA levels (especially early in pregnancy) and baby weight and head circumference at birth.
Other studies have shown that consuming a dietary source or supplement of DHA for your little one during pregnancy may provide benefits (although small) to reduce the risk of premature birth for mothers who have had preterm labor.
Protect your little one from disease
A study in 2011 found that the benefits of DHA for children are obtained because mothers consume food sources or supplements can help protect your little one from disease early in life after birth.
This study included 1,100 pregnant women and 900 babies. From this study it was found that children with mothers who consumed 400 mg of DHA daily and most of the time of pregnancy had a lower risk of developing cold symptoms during the first few months of life compared to children born to mothers who were given a placebo during pregnancy.
Apart from the three benefits that have been mentioned, DHA is also often touted as a natural way to prevent miscarriage. Some mothers also take DHA to reduce their risk of postpartum depression.
How much is the need for DHA intake per day?
Actually, the recommendation for DHA needs for the little one that is given through the mother has not really been found. However, a recent study published in the Journal of Perinatal Medicine concluded that pregnant and breastfeeding women need to consume 200 mg of DHA per day.
Other sources also suggest that pregnant and lactating women get a DHA intake of at least about 200 mg or 300 mg-900 mg per day consisting of EPA and DHA.
Food sources of DHA that are safe for pregnant and lactating women
Food is the best source of DHA for your little one that mothers can consume. Food sources that are high in DHA include:
- Salmon
- Tuna
- Anchovy
- Sardines
- Nuts and walnut oil
- Fortified food products / added DHA
Mothers can also take supplements as an alternative if they do not like or cannot access these foods. Supplements can provide the same DHA intake as food sources, as long as you choose high-quality and safe ones.
A number of studies have shown the positive effects of DHA during pregnancy for the health of both mother and baby. Therefore, it is important to meet daily DHA needs so that your little one can grow and develop optimally.
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