Can infants and young children eat more foods containing DHA?
Feb 26, 2025
Source: Cainiu Health
Dr. Zhou Xiaofeng
Introduction
Infants and young children who are breastfed typically do not require additional dietary sources of DHA. If breast milk is insufficient or the child is formula-fed, incorporating more DHA-containing foods into their diet may be beneficial. Although DHA supports infant and child development, more is not necessarily better. Excessive intake of DHA may increase the digestive burden on infants and young children and potentially cause discomfort. When supplementing DHA, the principle of moderation should be followed.
Infants and young children who are breastfed generally do not require additional dietary supplementation with DHA. However, if breast milk is insufficient or formula feeding is used, they may benefit from increased consumption of foods containing DHA. The explanation is as follows:
DHA is a long-chain polyunsaturated fatty acid essential for the growth and maintenance of the nervous system and plays an important role in the development of infants' and young children's brains and retinas. It not only promotes brain cell development and enhances cognitive abilities, but also supports retinal development and reduces the likelihood of vision abnormalities. Breast milk is the ideal food for infants and young children, as it contains abundant DHA. Therefore, for breastfed infants, as long as the mother maintains a balanced diet—especially by consuming adequate amounts of seafood rich in DHA—the infant's DHA needs can be sufficiently met without requiring additional supplementation.
If breastfeeding is not possible or if the breast milk lacks sufficient DHA, parents may choose infant formula fortified with DHA. Additionally, as complementary foods are introduced, infants can begin to try foods rich in DHA. However, since the digestive system of infants is not yet fully developed, care should be taken to ensure appropriate portion sizes and avoid excessive intake, which may lead to digestive problems.
Although DHA is beneficial for the development of infants and young children, more is not necessarily better. Excessive intake of DHA may burden the infant's digestive system and potentially cause discomfort. Therefore, parents should follow the principle of moderate supplementation when providing DHA.
