DHA is a polyunsaturated fatty acid, a type of fat. Appropriate intake of DHA can promote the fluidity of the baby's brain nerve cell membrane and increase the speed of signal conduction between nerve cells. This is reflected in people's behavior, that is, they appear to react faster and more sensitively to things.

Do babies need additional DHA preparations? Generally not!

First of all, the body's absorption and utilization of DHA is limited. Babies can get enough DHA through breast milk, formula powder and various infant foods. Under normal circumstances, as long as the diet structure is balanced, the body's needs can be met without additional supplementation.

Secondly, although polyunsaturated fatty acids such as DHA can increase the conduction speed of nerve cells, this is not equivalent to improving IQ, let alone that the more DHA supplemented, the smarter the baby will be. If parents give their babies excessive DHA in order to make them "smarter", the excess will only be used as fat for energy consumption and metabolism, which is equivalent to parents spending a lot of money to supplement their babies with some fat.

However, if it is a premature baby, a breastfeeding mother who rarely or almost never eats deep-sea fish, algae and other DHA-rich foods, or a baby who is adding complementary foods, it is necessary to appropriately supplement DHA under the guidance of a doctor. If it is really necessary, it is recommended to choose algae oil DHA.

Because research has confirmed that it is seaweed, not fish, that actually produces DHA. The DHA in fish also comes from seaweed. In addition, heavy metals and EPA that may exist in fish are not conducive to the growth and development of children, and may even cause damage to them. In contrast, DHA extracted from algae mainly from shallow sea areas is higher in content, purer, safer, and healthier than DHA in fish oil.