Buying books and school supplies, stocking the pantry with healthy snacks for baon and getting new uniforms are just some of the things that parents do to prepare their children for school. Just as important, but sometimes forgotten, is ensuring that your child receives the proper nutrition to help support his rapidly developing brain.
Did you know that your child’s brain will reach about 90% of its adult weight by the age of 6? In the first 5 years, the brain will develop the most and the fastest compared to any other time in life. The importance of these early years in a child’s brain development can be seen in the figure1 below:
To help establish a healthy neural network that will prepare your child’s brain for his years in school, ensure that he receives sufficient DHA.
DHA: The essential nutrient that supports brain growth and development
DHA is a critical Omega-3 fatty acid that makes up 15-20% of the cerebral cortex. Studies have positively linked it to at least 3 important functions within the brain2:
- Neurogenesis (creation of new brain cells),
- Neurotransmission (communication between brain cells), and
- Neuroprotection (protection of brain cells against diseases and oxidative stress).
In turn, these functions are important to cognitive behavior, memory and overall brain performance. One study shows that DHA is even effective in helping students cope well under pressure.3
On the other hand, deficiency in DHA has been associated with behavioral problems such as temper tantrums, learning, health and sleep problems4, and mood disorders5. Children with low levels of Omega-3 fats (EPA and DHA) “can have a decreased ability to focus attention6” - a handicap when it comes to performing well in school.
How much DHA is enough?
“When DHA is needed in large amounts, such as during rapid phases of brain growth, it needs to be consumed,7” reports a study published in the journal Nutrients. In support of this and similar studies that point to the importance of DHA in a growing child’s diet, the World Health Organization recommends the following daily amounts8:
- 100-150mg of EPA + DHA for children 2 to 4 years old
- 150-200mg of EPA + DHA for children 4 to 6 years old
- 200-250 mg of EPA + DHA for children 6 to 10 years old
To ensure that your child receives enough DHA, feed him or her oily fish such as tuna and salmon, which are high in Omega-3 levels, and add in a DHA supplement. Supplementing a balanced diet helps you monitor your child’s daily DHA intake, so you can rest assured that you’re helping to support their healthy brain development.
A fun and great-tasting DHA supplement
Scott’s DHA Gummies are available in delicious orange and strawberry flavors and come in fun under-the-sea shapes! Microencapsulated DHA technology locks in the nutrients of fish oil in each chewable gummy without the fishy taste and smell.
Giving your child 3 pieces of Scott’s DHA Gummies daily provides 40mg of DHA per serving – equivalent to 15% of the daily recommended intake by the World Health Organization. Establishing this habit now will help prepare your child for school and maximize his cognitive growth and development.
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