DHA, as a key unsaturated fatty acid, is crucial for brain development, and this understanding has been widely disseminated. Therefore, many parents consider whether they should supplement their child’s DHA intake to promote brain growth after birth.
It is important to note that not all children require additional DHA. Breast milk is a high-quality source of DHA and can fully meet all of an infant’s nutritional needs in the early stages, so breastfed babies typically do not need special DHA supplementation. In reality, some mothers may choose formula over breast milk for various reasons, but in fact, the nutritional value of breast milk is irreplaceable and often allows children to have stronger constitutions and resistance.
When children enter the weaning period and begin to try solid foods, if mothers are concerned about their child’s nutritional inadequacy, they may introduce DHA supplementation appropriately, aiming to enhance the child’s immunity and reduce the risk of allergies.
In contrast, formula-fed babies sometimes experience changes in skin color, among other issues, which reflects that formula may not fully satisfy all their nutritional needs. Therefore, parents should pay attention to supplementing DHA for these children to ensure their brain development is adequately supported.
