Providing DHA for Your Child
It is important that the diets of young children include adequate amounts of DHA to support brain, eye and nervous system growth and development. Yet, American children consume an average of only 30 to 50mg of DHA per day.
It’s no surprise that children consume less than optimal levels of DHA. Foods that naturally contain DHA are limited to organ meats and fatty fish, which are not commonly consumed by young children. In addition, picky and unbalanced eating habits, food allergies, and a recent FDA warning for young children to limit consumption of certain types of fish due to concerns over high levels of mercury, make it difficult for parents to ensure their children are obtaining optimal levels of DHA.
Fortunately, as awareness of the importance of DHA continues to grow, more attention is being paid to the fact that young children may benefit from getting more DHA in their diets. While the FDA does not have a regulation establishing a recommended daily intake for DHA, the agency has not objected to the use of 160mg as a daily value for DHA for children over four and adults. A growing awareness of the dietary sources of DHA and the inclusion of DHA into follow-on formulas and certain fortified foods are making it easier for people of all ages, including young children, to obtain this important nutrient from their daily diets.
