Do children aged five or six need to supplement with DHA

Children aged five or six generally do not require additional supplementation of DHA, but may need to supplement appropriately when their diet is imbalanced or they have picky eating habits. DHA is an important nutrient that promotes brain and visual development in children, mainly obtained through foods such as fish and algae. Children with a healthy diet can usually obtain sufficient DHA from their daily diet. Children in this age group who consume deep-sea fish such as salmon and cod two to three times a week, along with eggs, walnuts, and other foods, can basically meet their DHA needs. The DHA stored during breastfeeding can also continue to function. Extra supplementation of DHA in children with a balanced diet may lead to overnutrition, which is actually detrimental to their health. Some children may have insufficient intake of DHA. Children from long-term picky eaters, fish allergies, or vegetarian families have limited sources of DHA in their diet. Premature infants or children with developmental delays may have a greater demand for DHA. In these cases, algae oil DHA supplements can be selected under the guidance of a doctor to avoid choosing fish oil products that contain heavy metal risks. Before supplementing, it is recommended to conduct a dietary assessment and prioritize improving through adjusting the dietary structure. Parents should pay attention to their children's overall dietary quality rather than relying solely on nutrient supplementation. Developing children's habits of consuming foods rich in Omega-3 fatty acids such as fish, nuts, and flaxseed is more beneficial for long-term health than simply supplementing them. If considering using DHA supplements, it is recommended to consult a pediatrician or registered nutritionist first and develop a plan based on individual circumstances. At the same time, it should be noted that supplements should not replace normal diet, as excessive supplementation may cause gastrointestinal discomfort or affect coagulation function.