Role of DHA in Developing Children: Brain Growth, Learning & Daily Health

Early childhood—from birth to 3 years—is a critical window for brain development, learning ability, and overall physical growth. Nutrition during this phase has a lifelong impact. Among essential nutrients, Docosahexaenoic Acid (DHA), a long-chain omega-3 fatty acid, plays a central and scientifically established role in brain maturation, vision, cognition, and day-to-day health.

👶 Role of DHA in Brain Development

During early life, the brain undergoes rapid growth, forming millions of new neural connections daily. DHA supports this process by:

• Enhancing neuronal membrane fluidity

• Improving synaptic transmission

• Supporting myelination of nerve fibers

• Aiding visual and retinal maturation

The AAP highlights DHA as critical for normal brain and eye development, particularly in the first years of life.

📘 DHA and Learning Ability

Adequate DHA intake has been associated with:

• Improved memory and attention

• Better learning capacity

• Enhanced cognitive and behavioral outcomes

Studies reviewed by pediatric nutrition experts indicate that DHA plays a role in neurotransmission and higher cognitive functions, which directly influence learning and school readiness.

The CDC also reports that omega-3 fatty acid intake, including DHA, is often below optimal levels in children, potentially affecting cognitive performance.

🛡️ DHA in Daily Health and Immunity

Beyond brain and learning benefits, DHA contributes to:

• Immune system modulation

• Anti-inflammatory balance

• Healthy cardiometabolic function

• Maintenance of cellular integrity

The ICMR–National Institute of Nutrition (NIN) recommends balanced fat intake and inclusion of omega-3 fatty acids as part of healthy childhood nutrition in India.

📊 Recommended DHA Intake (Up to 3 Years)

Although no single authority defines a fixed RDA for DHA alone, expert bodies provide practical intake guidance:

• Infants (0–12 months):
  ~100–200 mg DHA/day (via breast milk or fortified formula)

• Toddlers (1–3 years):
  ~200–300 mg DHA/day (DHA ± EPA), especially if dietary fish intake is low

The WHO, AAP, and CDC acknowledge that many children do not meet these levels through diet alone.

🐟 Indian Food Sources of DHA

Direct DHA Sources (Best Bioavailability)

• Fatty fish: Bangda (mackerel), Hilsa, Sardines, Anchovies, Surmai

• Fish oil

Vegetarian Sources (ALA – Limited Conversion)

• Flaxseeds, chia seeds, walnuts

• Soy products

• Algal oil (plant-based DHA)

⚠️ Conversion of plant-based ALA to DHA is poor in young children, making supplementation important in vegetarian diets.

AFERVIT DHA Drops – Pediatric Nutritional Support

To address dietary gaps safely and effectively, Al Haider Healthcare recommends Aferz Pediatric Brand – AFERVIT DHA Drops.

Each 1 ml Contains:

• DHA 50 mg & EPA 100 mg – Supports brain development, cognitive function, and vision

• Vitamin D3 (400 IU) – Aids calcium absorption and promotes healthy bones and teeth

• Calcium (50 mg) – Supports skeletal growth

• Iron (5 mg) – Helps in hemoglobin formation and cognitive development

• Zinc (2.5 mg) – Enhances immunity and growth

• L-Lysine (30 mg) – Supports growth and protein utilization

• L-Glutamic Acid (100 mg) – Contributes to brain and nerve function

• Vitamin A Palmitate, Vitamin E, and B-Complex Vitamins (B1, B2, B3, B6, B12) – Support immunity, energy metabolism, and overall vitality

• Lycopene (5 mg) – Provides antioxidant protection

Benefits of AFERVIT DHA Drops

✔ Supports brain growth and cognitive development
✔ Enhances learning and attention
✔ Promotes eye and retinal health
✔ Supports immune balance and daily wellness
✔ Easy-to-use, child-friendly liquid formulation

AFERVIT DHA Drops are especially beneficial for:

• Toddlers with low fish intake

• Vegetarian children

• Children in rapid growth and learning phases

📝 Key Takeaways for Parents

• DHA is essential for early brain and learning development

• Many children do not get enough DHA from diet alone

• Supplementation helps ensure consistent intake during critical growth years

• AFERVIT DHA Drops provide a safe and evidence-based pediatric DHA solution

References

1. World Health Organization (WHO)
   Fats and Fatty Acids in Human Nutrition – Expert Consultation
   👉 https://www.who.int/publications/i/item/WHO-NMH-NHD-03.3

2. FAO / WHO Joint Expert Consultation
   Dietary fats and fatty acids in human nutrition
   👉 https://www.fao.org/3/i1953e/i1953e.pdf

3. American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP)
   Lipids and Nutrition in Infant Feeding – Pediatrics
   👉 https://publications.aap.org/pediatrics/article/131/3/e827/31006

4. American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP)
   Dietary Recommendations for Children and Adolescents
   👉 https://publications.aap.org/pediatrics/article/117/2/544/68400

5. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC)
   Second National Report on Biochemical Indicators of Diet and Nutrition
   👉 https://stacks.cdc.gov/view/cdc/37900

6. ICMR – National Institute of Nutrition (NIN), India
   Dietary Guidelines for Indians
   👉 https://www.nin.res.in/dietaryguidelines/pdfjs/locale/DGI07052024P.pdf

7. European Food Safety Authority (EFSA)
   Scientific Opinion on EPA and DHA Intake
   👉 https://www.efsa.europa.eu/en/efsajournal/pub/3760

8. Innis SM.
   Dietary Omega-3 Fatty Acids and the Developing Brain – Journal of Nutrition
   👉 https://academic.oup.com/jn/article/137/4/855/4664622

🧠 What is DHA and Why Is It Important?

DHA (Docosahexaenoic Acid) is a major structural component of:

• Brain cell membranes

• Retina of the eye

• Central nervous system

The World Health Organization (WHO) and the American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP) recognize DHA as an essential long-chain polyunsaturated fatty acid required for optimal neurological and visual development during infancy and early childhood.

Since the human body cannot synthesize sufficient DHA on its own, it must be obtained through dietary sources or supplementation.