At what age is it appropriate for children to supplement with DHA

DHA supplementation for children is generally suitable starting from 6 months old, and the specific timing needs to be adjusted based on factors such as feeding methods and growth and development. The main ways to supplement DHA include breastfeeding, formula milk powder supplementation, complementary food intake, algal oil supplements, fish oil supplements, etc.

1. Breastfeeding

Infants who are breastfed within 6 months do not require additional supplementation of DHA, as breast milk contains sufficient amounts of DHA. Breastfeeding mothers should ensure a moderate intake of deep-sea fish such as salmon and cod every week, which can help increase the DHA content in breast milk. Premature or low birth weight infants can increase DHA supplementation appropriately under the guidance of a doctor.

2. Formula Milk Powder Addition

Infants who are artificially fed can choose formula milk powder supplemented with DHA. The standard for infant formula food in our country requires that the DHA content in milk powder should reach the percentage range of total fatty acids. Parents should check the nutritional composition table when purchasing. Babies who receive mixed feeding can adjust the amount of DHA supplementation in their formula according to the proportion of breast milk.

3. Intake of complementary foods

Adding complementary foods can supplement DHA through food. DHA foods suitable for infants and young children include egg yolks, deep-sea fish paste, flaxseed oil, etc. It is recommended to arrange an appropriate amount of fish complementary food every week, paying attention to removing fish bones and making them into a delicate paste. Infants and young children who are allergic to seafood should try with caution.

4. Algae oil supplement

Algae oil DHA is suitable for children who are allergic to fish or from vegetarian families. Its DHA purity is high and does not contain EPA. When choosing algal oil supplements, attention should be paid to whether the product has a suitable label for infants and young children, and avoid choosing products containing additives. Supplementing dosage should be done according to medical advice.

5. Fish oil supplements

Fish oil DHA supplements are suitable for children in early childhood, and it should be noted that the EPA content should not be too high. When choosing, one should pay attention to the blue hat logo of health food and avoid excessive supplementation with vitamin AD preparations. Children with bleeding disorders or taking anticoagulant drugs are prohibited from using fish oil.

DHA supplementation in children should continue until the critical period of brain development is over, and nut foods such as walnuts and almonds can be added to the daily diet as supplements. It is recommended to undergo regular child health check ups and have professional doctors evaluate the development of the nervous system. It is more important to avoid blindly supplementing excessive DHA and maintain nutritional balance. After the age of 2, DHA can be obtained through a diversified diet, such as consuming moderate amounts of seafood every week and cooking with vegetable oils rich in linolenic acid.