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Want a Child's Brain Smart, Enough DHA and Omega-3 Intake

DHA and omega-3 are needed for children's brain development. However, the results of a British Journal of Nutrition study stated that 8 out of 10 children aged 4-12 years in Indonesia, still lack of DHA and omega-3 intake. Though this age is a school age, where optimal brainpower can help children to be able to excel. Some parents may not understand what is omega-3 and DHA. Omega-3 is an essential fatty acid that is needed by the body, but cannot be produced by the body. While DHA or docosahexaenoic acid is a type of omega-3 contained in fish and seafood. Omega-3 and DHA are needed for the body to function optimally. Both of these nutrients are very good for children's growth and development, and also their endurance.

The Importance of Omega-3 Intake and DHA for Children

Little information is known by parents about the importance of omega-3 and DHA, causing many children to experience lack of nutrition. Another factor that might also contribute to the lack of DHA and omega-3 intake in children in Indonesia is the difficulty of getting quality nutritional intake, both due to economic limitations and due to geographical reasons. This is what makes 8 out of 10 children still lack the intake of these two important nutrients. According to the data, children in Indonesia still lack the DHA and omega-3 intake as recommended by WHO. DHA and omega-3 deficiency does not pose a risk in the short term. Children will not experience anything if only a shortage of DHA and omega-3 for a few days. However, in the long term (months to years) a deficiency of DHA and omega-3 puts children at risk of experiencing the following:
  • Tends to have a low level of intelligence. Because, DHA levels in the brain are related to IQ.
  • Depression.
  • More at risk of heart disease, arthritis, and cancer.
  • The body becomes weak.
  • Poor endurance.
  • Malnutrition.
Omega-3 and DHA are also very important for children's brain development. Both of these nutrients are believed to reduce the risk of hyperactive behavior in children, improve the concentration ability of children under the age of 12 years, and improve memory. Therefore, try to meet the needs of omega-3 and DHA in children, so that brain development can be optimal.

How to meet the intake of Omega-3 and DHA

Not only children, even adults still need omega-3 and DHA intake. However, the amount of needs is of course different. Recommended omega-3 and DHA intake that needs to be fulfilled in a day according to age are:
  • Children aged 4-12 years: 900 mg per day.
  • Children aged 13 years and over and adults: 1000-1100 mg per day.
In certain conditions, for example when you are seriously ill or experiencing a lack of omega-3 and DHA intake, the amount of intake recommended by your doctor may be higher. Most parents let their children eat only the foods they like, and not necessarily the food they choose contains omega-3s and DHA. In fact, omega-3 fatty acids cannot be made in the body, so they must be obtained from food. Because there are some important nutrients that can only be obtained from food, parents need to pay more attention to the nutritional content of food consumed by children. In order to meet omega-3 and DHA intake in children, it is recommended that you routinely provide foods that are rich in both nutrients, such as:
  • Fish.
  • Nuts.
  • Whole grains.
  • Egg.
  • Meat.
If your child does not like and reject these foods, try to be more creative in serving them. For example, processing fish into tasty snacks and little ones like it. Be creative with a variety of varied menus to arouse children's appetite. In addition, give also an understanding to the Little One that the food can make it big and smart fast. If these methods do not work, or if you are still unsure of the adequacy of your child's nutrition, you can give him milk containing omega-3 and DHA. In this way, you can make sure your little one gets enough omega-3 and DHA intake. In addition, do not forget, healthy food given to children must also have a balanced nutrition. If you feel your child is still not getting enough omega-3 and DHA intake, consult a nutrition specialist to ask what foods are recommended, and whether or not supplementation is necessary. Do not delay anymore, adequate intake of omega-3s and DHA in children as early as possible, so that the development and function of the brain is maximal.

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