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DHA: The Latest Fad? Print E-mail
Written by Dr. Bob Sears & Amy Marlow   
Think of DHA as “the brain food” because it supplies two essential nutritious fats to the brain, commonly known as omega 6 and omega 3. Getting enough DHA is most important while baby is still in the womb, when an infant’s brain grows faster than at any other time in her life, and during the first year of baby’s life, when her brain triples in size. DHA is also critical for eye development since the retina contains large concentrations of DHA.Just how important is DHA for brain development? Consider these research findings:
  • Infants who have low amounts of DHA in their diet have reduced brain development and diminished visual acuity. 
  • The increased intelligence and academic performance of breastfed compared with formula-fed infants has been attributed in part to the increased DHA content of human milk. 
  • Cultures whose diet is high in omega 3 fatty acids (such as the Eskimos who eat a lot of fish) have a lower incidence of degenerative diseases of the central nervous system, such as multiple sclerosis. 
  • Some children with poor school performance because of ADD have been shown to have insufficient essential fatty acids in their diet.
Mom needs healthy fats, too. To ensure that baby gets enough DHA during the two critical stages of brain growth, pregnant women and those who are breast feeding should eat foods high in brain-building nutrients, especially omega 3, such as: ground flax seeds and flaxseed oil, coldwater fish (primarily salmon and tuna), canola oil, soybeans, walnuts, wheat germ, pumpkin seeds, and eggs. If you are not sure you are getting enough DHA, ask your doctor about DHA supplements.

 
Robert W. Sears, MD, noted pediatrician and author, is part of the Sears family of pediatricians.  Board Certified in Pediatrics, Dr. Bob earned his medical degree at Georgetown University School of Medicine. He did his pediatric internship and residency at Children's Hospital Los Angeles.Amy Marlow, MPH, RD, CDN, holds a Bachelor of Science degree in Nutrition and Dietetics from the University of Delaware and completed her dietetics training at the University of Virginia Medical Center in Charlottesville, VA. She also has a Master of Public Health degree from the University of Maryland. Amy worked as a pediatric dietitian at Georgetown University Medical Center in Washington DC, where she provided nutrition care in the pediatric oncology unit, high-risk obstetrics ward, and the pediatric and neonatal intensive care units. Printed with permission - compliments of Happy Baby Food