What is the recommended daily dose of DHA for infants and children in the US?
These are two common questions we get at Ddrops Company. With multiple health and scientific organizations, not to mention the busy life of a parent, defining DHA recommendations can quickly become very difficult. Luckily, we’re here to help. While we cannot recommend dosing to your specific needs, we can provide you with the dosing information specifically for infants and children from many groups here in the United States.
DHA has long been identified as a key component for good health and is specifically recognized for its importance in supporting healthy brain and visual development in infants and children.* During the first few years of life and in adolescence a child’s brain and cognitive function undergo significant growth and development. Adequate DHA intake helps support healthy brain and eye development during these critical stages.*
Below is a summary of the current DHA recommendations from US and worldwide expert groups:
Please remember your healthcare professional is the best person to speak to regarding your specific needs around DHA supplementation.
To learn more about why DHA is so important for infants and children click here.
- [1] Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (2010). Fats and fatty acids in human nutrition: Report of an expert consultation. FAO Food and Nutrition Paper 91. Rome
- [2] Koletzko B Lien E Agostoni C Böhles H Campoy C Cetin I Decsi T Dudenhausen JW Dupont C Forsyth S Hoesli I Holzgreve W Lapillonne A Putet G Secher NJ Symonds M Szajewska H Willatts P and Uauy R (2008). The roles of long-chain polyunsaturated fatty acids in pregnancy, lactation and infancy: review of current knowledge and consensus recommendations. J Perinat Med 36:5-14.
- [3] Institute of medicine, Seafood choice: Balancing Benefits and Risk, October 2006
- [4] Johnston M Landers S Noble L Szucs K and Viehmann L for the Section on Breastfeeding (2012). Breastfeeding and the use of human milk. Pediatrics 129:e827-e841. [online] Available at: http://pediatrics.aappublications.org/content/129/3/e827.full.pdf+html
- [5] American Dietetic Association and Dietitians of Canada (2003). Position of the American Dietetic Association and Dietitians of Canada: Vegetarian diets. J Am Diet Assoc 103:748-65. [online] Available at: http://download.journals.elsevierhealth.com/pdfs/journals/0002-8223/PIIS0002822303002943.pdf.
ABOUT THE AUTHOR:
Alyssa Davenport
Alyssa is a marketing writer with a passion for wellness. She loves keeping up with the latest research and helping others through health and nutrition education. When she’s not breaking down complicated topics, you can find her with her doggy sidekick, Bella, or reading the latest marketing trends.
