What is DHA? Instructions on how to supplement DHA for mothers and babies

This is an automatically translated article.

The article is professionally consulted by Master, Doctor Thai Bang - Dean and Specialist II Huynh Thi Hien - Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology - Vinmec Nha Trang International Hospital

Many of us have heard about DHA, but not everyone has sufficient knowledge to understand what DHA is, how to supplement DHA for children and what month to supplement DHA for pregnant women is appropriate. fit. This article will provide you with useful knowledge about DHA for the health of mother and baby.

1. What is DHA?

DHA stands for Docosa Hexaenoic Acid, is an essential unsaturated fatty acid belonging to the group of Omega 3 fatty acids, in addition to this group also has the prefix DHA, which is alpha-linolenic fatty acid. DHA is an essential unsaturated fatty acid that cannot be synthesized by the body, so it must be obtained from food sources.

2. The role of DHA

DHA is necessary for the development and complete function of the eyes and nervous system. According to research by experts, DHA has a high concentration in nerve organizations such as the retina of the eye and brain.
For young children, if there is a lack of DHA during the development of the body, they will have a low IQ. According to one study, children who were breastfed and had a diet rich in DHA often had IQ scores 8.3 points higher than those with DHA deficiency.
For adults, DHA will help the body reduce total cholesterol, blood triglycerides, bad LDL cholesterol. Thereby reducing the risk of cardiovascular diseases such as atherosclerosis, myocardial infarction....

3. Supplementing DHA for children

3.1 Why is it necessary to supplement DHA for children?

Children need enough DHA for their body to develop well. Especially, premature babies and normal newborns require an adequate supply of DHA because they are not yet able to convert DHA from vegetable oils or breast milk substitutes.
In breast milk there are enough EFAs (Essential Fatty Acid) for babies, so exclusive breastfeeding and breastfeeding for 24 months is the best for the comprehensive development of children. If the mother is unable to breastfeed, it is necessary to replace the alternative source of nutrients with fatty acids found in breast milk such as DHA, DPA, AA.
The period from 1 to 6 years old is also the period when DHA is needed because they help stimulate the brain development of children. From 6 years old and above is the time when children start learning, so the brain needs enough DHA to absorb new knowledge.

DHA 1 — DHA cần thiết cho sự phát triển của trẻ

3.2 How to supplement DHA for children?

Parents need to regularly supplement DHA for their children from DHA-rich foods.
DHA is found in fish oil, fish and seafood. DHA is necessary for the development of the retina of the eye and brain of the child. Protects the body against heart disease, stroke and reduces arthritis. Therefore, you should eat a variety of fish and seafood to get enough DHA for the body.
In addition, DHA is also found in many vegetable oils such as coconut oil, corn oil, olive oil, palm oil, peanut oil, rapeseed oil, soybean oil...

4. Supplementing DHA for pregnant women

Supplementing DHA for pregnant women in what month is the most suitable is a question that many people are interested in today.
Diet before and during pregnancy is very important for the storage of unsaturated fatty acids (EFAs) necessary for the fetus. During the last 3 months of pregnancy, on average, the fetus needs 2.2g of EFAs per day for the development of the nervous system and blood vessels.
Pregnant mothers can supplement DHA for the fetus by eating foods rich in DHA or from milk powder specifically for pregnant women.

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