TAP top app download banner
theAsianparent Philippines Logo
theAsianparent Philippines Logo
EnglishFilipino
Product Guide
Sign in
  • Money Tips
    • Savings
    • Loans
    • Insurance
    • Investments
    • Government Benefits
  • Building a BakuNation
  • Para Sa Magulang
    • Nagplaplanong Magbuntis
    • Pagbubuntis
    • Pangaganak
    • Nawalan ng baby
    • Project Sidekicks
  • Anak
    • Newborn
    • Sanggol
    • Toddler
    • Pre-Schooler
    • Bata
    • Pre-Teen At Teen
  • Pagpapalaki ng anak
    • Gabay ng Mga Magulang
    • Balita
    • Relasyon
  • Kalusugan
    • Mga sakit
    • Allergies at mga kundisyon
    • Mga Bakuna
  • Edukasyon
    • Preschool
    • K-12
    • Edukasyon ng special children
  • Lifestyle
    • Mga kilalang tao
    • Contest at promotions
    • Bahay
    • Bakasyon
    • Fashion
    • Fitness
    • Wellness
    • Pinansyal
  • VIP Community
  • Pandemya ng COVID-19
  • Press Releases
  • TAP Picks
  • Shopping

What is DHA and why it is important to your child's health?

3 min read
What is DHA and why it is important to your child's health?

Learn what is DHA and why it is important to your child's overall development.

What is the importance of DHA for kids? And what foods should your child eat to get the DHA he or she needs? Get all the answers in this article!

Read here:

  • The importance of DHA for kids.
  • Best DHA-rich foods for kids.
  • Recommended DHA intake for children.

The importance of DHA for kids

dha for kids

Larawan mula sa Shutterstock

DHA (Docosahexaenoic acid) is a crucial omega-3 fatty acid vital for the growth and functional development of the brain in infants and children. Here’s why DHA is essential:

1. Brain Development

  • Cognitive Development: DHA is a major structural component of the brain, supporting cognitive functions such as learning, memory, and problem-solving.
  • Neural Growth: Adequate DHA levels are essential for the brain’s growth and maturation during childhood, a critical period for neural development.

2. Visual Development

  • Retina Health: DHA is a key component of the retina, supporting healthy vision development and visual acuity.

3. Immune Function

  • Anti-inflammatory Properties: DHA has anti-inflammatory effects, which support the immune system and reduce the risk of chronic diseases.

4. Behavioral and Mental Health

  • Mood Regulation: DHA is linked to neurotransmitter production that regulates mood, potentially reducing the risk of mood disorders.
  • Attention and Focus: DHA can improve attention span and reduce symptoms of ADHD (Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder).

5. Heart Health

  • Cardiovascular Benefits: DHA helps reduce triglycerides and improve overall heart health, beneficial from a young age.

6. Overall Growth and Development

  • Cell Membrane Function: DHA is a fundamental component of cell membranes, affecting their fluidity, flexibility, and functionality, crucial for overall growth and development.

Best DHA-Rich Foods for Kids

dha rich food for kids

Larawan mula sa Shutterstock

To ensure children get enough DHA, include the following foods in their diet:

1. Fatty Fish

  • Salmon, Mackerel, Sardines, Herring, Tuna

2. Fish Oil

  • Cod liver oil, Fish oil supplements specifically formulated for children

3. Fortified Foods

  • DHA-fortified milk, yogurt, eggs, cereals, and baby foods

4. Seaweed and Algae

  • Algae oil supplements (a vegetarian source of DHA)

5. Chia Seeds

  • Contains ALA (a type of omega-3), which the body can convert to DHA

6. Flaxseeds

  • Similar to chia seeds, contains ALA

7. Walnuts

  • Contains ALA, which can be converted to DHA

8. Eggs

  • Particularly those labeled as omega-3 enriched.

9. Fish Roe

  • Fish roe typically contains between 1.3 to 1.7 mg of DHA per 100g serving portion.

10. Soy Foods

  • Soy food products such as tofu and soybreans are considered brain foods that can also promote strong and healthy foods.
 
dha rich food for kids

Larawan mula sa Shutterstock

Recommended DHA Intake for Children

The amount of DHA needed varies by age and individual health needs:

Partner Stories
Alamin ang Vitamin Combo na Para Sayo at sa Nerves Mo!
Alamin ang Vitamin Combo na Para Sayo at sa Nerves Mo!
Fact vs. Myth: What Every Filipino Parent Needs to Know About Obesity
Fact vs. Myth: What Every Filipino Parent Needs to Know About Obesity
The Effect of Pure Vitamin E on One’s Beauty and Immunity
The Effect of Pure Vitamin E on One’s Beauty and Immunity
Kids at risk of stunting? This Growth Calculator can help moms find out plus predict their future height!
Kids at risk of stunting? This Growth Calculator can help moms find out plus predict their future height!
  1. Infants (0-12 months):
    • Breastfed infants receive DHA from breast milk if the mother has adequate DHA intake.
    • Formula-fed infants should have DHA-fortified formula, approximately 17 mg of DHA per 100 kcal.
  2. Toddlers (1-3 years):
    • WHO recommends 10-12 mg of DHA per kilogram of body weight per day, translating to about 70-100 mg per day for an average toddler.
  3. Children (4-8 years):
    • ISSFAL recommends 100-150 mg of DHA per day.
  4. Older Children and Adolescents (9-18 years):
    • ISSFAL suggests a daily intake of 200-250 mg of DHA.

For specific needs or concerns, consulting a pediatrician is advised to ensure adequate supplements and DHA intake for your child’s health and development.

May katanungan tungkol sa pagpapalaki ng anak? Basahin ang mga artikulo o magtanong sa kapwa magulang sa aming app. I-download ang theAsianparent Community sa iOS o Android!

img
Sinulat ni

Irish Mae Manlapaz

Maging Contributor

  • Home
  • /
  • Kalusugan
  • /
  • What is DHA and why it is important to your child's health?
Share:
  • Car Safety Reminders: Bata Nahulog Habang Umaandar ang Sasakyan sa Roxas Boulevard

    Car Safety Reminders: Bata Nahulog Habang Umaandar ang Sasakyan sa Roxas Boulevard

  • Open Letter sa mga Magulang: Palakihin Natin ang Ating mga Anak ng Maayos Nang Hindi Sila Nagiging Bully

    Open Letter sa mga Magulang: Palakihin Natin ang Ating mga Anak ng Maayos Nang Hindi Sila Nagiging Bully

  • Let’s Not Fail Our Kids: An Open Letter to Corporations and Builders

    Let’s Not Fail Our Kids: An Open Letter to Corporations and Builders

  • Car Safety Reminders: Bata Nahulog Habang Umaandar ang Sasakyan sa Roxas Boulevard

    Car Safety Reminders: Bata Nahulog Habang Umaandar ang Sasakyan sa Roxas Boulevard

  • Open Letter sa mga Magulang: Palakihin Natin ang Ating mga Anak ng Maayos Nang Hindi Sila Nagiging Bully

    Open Letter sa mga Magulang: Palakihin Natin ang Ating mga Anak ng Maayos Nang Hindi Sila Nagiging Bully

  • Let’s Not Fail Our Kids: An Open Letter to Corporations and Builders

    Let’s Not Fail Our Kids: An Open Letter to Corporations and Builders

Makakuha ng regular ng payo tungkol sa pagbubuntis at paglaki ni baby!
  • Pagbubuntis
  • Gabay ng Mga Magulang
  • Relasyon
  • Pagpapasuso at formula
  • TAP Community
  • Advertise With Us
  • Contact Us
  • Maging Contributor


  • Singapore flag Singapore
  • Thailand flag Thailand
  • Indonesia flag Indonesia
  • Philippines flag Philippines
  • Malaysia flag Malaysia
  • Vietnam flag Vietnam
© Copyright theAsianparent 2025. All rights reserved
About Us|Team|Privacy Policy|Terms of Use |Sitemap HTML
  • Tools
  • Articles
  • Feed
  • Poll

Gumagamit kami ng cookies upang matiyak ang iyong magandang karanasan. Matuto paOk, nakuha ko

Gumagamit kami ng cookies upang matiyak ang iyong magandang karanasan. Matuto paOk, nakuha ko