What is the best age for children to supplement DHA

The optimal age for children to supplement DHA is usually between 6 months and 3 years old, which is a critical period for brain and visual development. The main ways to supplement DHA include breastfeeding, formula milk powder addition, complementary food intake, nutritional supplements, dietary structure adjustment, etc.

1. Breastfeeding

Infants under 6 months of age are recommended to obtain DHA through breast milk, as the DHA content in breast milk is directly related to the mother's diet. Breastfeeding mothers can consume deep-sea fish such as salmon, cod, etc. every week, or follow medical advice to take algae oil DHA supplements to ensure that their babies receive sufficient nutrition through breast milk. If there is insufficient breast milk, DHA supplemented formula milk powder can be chosen as a substitute.

2. For infants who cannot be breastfed, DHA fortified formula should be chosen. According to national standards, infant formula milk powder must contain DHA, which accounts for 0.2% -0.5% of the total fatty acids. Parents need to check the nutritional composition table of the formula to ensure that the ratio of DHA to ARA is 1:1 to 1:2, which is more conducive to absorption and utilization.

3. When adding complementary foods after 6 months, gradually introduce foods rich in DHA. Prefer low mercury deep-sea fish such as silver cod and sea bass, and arrange 2-3 fish meal supplements per week. Egg yolks and seaweed are also high-quality sources. You can grind seaweed powder into rice paste or use seaweed to make broth. Note that allergic reactions should be observed during the initial addition.

4. Nutritional supplements

Premature infants, children with allergies or insufficient dietary intake can supplement DHA preparations under the guidance of a doctor. Algae oil DHA is more suitable for children who are allergic to fish, and when choosing, it is important to pay attention to whether the product has a suitable label for infants and young children. It is not recommended to self administer fish oil supplements to children under 3 years old to avoid the risk of excessive vitamin A.

5. Dietary structure adjustment

DHA demand can be maintained through daily diet after the age of 3. In addition to continuing to ensure fish intake, it can be paired with foods rich in alpha linolenic acid such as walnuts and flaxseed, which are partially converted into DHA in the body. School aged children should consume 300-500 grams of aquatic food per week, with steaming and stewing as the main cooking methods to reduce nutrient loss. DHA supplementation for children needs to be dynamically adjusted according to their growth and development stages. 6 months ago, the main diet was breast milk or formula milk. From 6 months to 3 years old, the focus was on meeting the needs through complementary foods and supplements. After 3 years old, it shifted to dietary supplementation. Parents should regularly evaluate their children's dietary structure to avoid excessive supplementation that may cause gastrointestinal discomfort or abnormal coagulation function. Daily records can be kept of children's acceptance of DHA rich foods, and personalized supplementation plans can be developed in conjunction with nutritional guidance from pediatricians. At the same time, it is important to note that DHA needs to be supplemented in conjunction with antioxidants such as vitamin E to improve utilization efficiency.