Why DHA Is Essential for Brain Development in Early Childhood

What Is DHA?

DHA (Docosahexaenoic Acid) is a long-chain omega-3 fatty acid naturally found in fatty fish and algae. It is a major structural fat in the brain and eyes, accounting for up to 97% of the omega-3s in the brain and 93% in the retina. Since the human body produces only a small amount of DHA, it must be obtained through diet or supplements—especially for infants and toddlers.

Why DHA Matters in Early Childhood

Brain Development

The human brain grows to about 80–90% of its adult size by age five. DHA is a fundamental building block of brain tissue, helping develop neurons and synapses, which are crucial for memory, attention, and learning.

Cognitive and Behavioral Support

Research links adequate DHA intake with improved cognitive outcomes, such as better problem-solving skills, language development, and emotional regulation. Low DHA levels may be associated with learning difficulties and behavioral issues.

Eye and Vision Health

DHA is critical for visual development. It's a core component of the retina, and infants supplemented with DHA often show sharper vision in clinical studies.

  

Immune and Nervous System Development

Beyond the brain and eyes, DHA also supports the immune system and the proper development of the central nervous system, contributing to overall child health.

How much DHA need per day

✅ Recommended DHA Intake by Age:

Group	Recommended DHA (per day)
Infants (0–12 months)	~100 mg (usually from breastmilk or formula)
Children (1–3 years)	70–100 mg
Children (4–8 years)	100–150 mg
Teens (9–18 years)	150–250 mg
Adults	200–500 mg (combined EPA + DHA)
Pregnant & breastfeeding women	At least 200–300 mg of DHA

For brain development and cognitive function in children, 100–150 mg of DHA per day is often recommended in supplement form if not consumed through diet (e.g., fish, fortified foods).

How DHA Matters for Early Childhood Brain Development

1. DHA is a Major Structural Component of the Brain
Roughly 60% of the brain’s dry weight is fat, and DHA (Docosahexaenoic Acid) makes up 15–20% of the total fatty acids in the brain. It's especially concentrated in the cerebral cortex, the region responsible for memory, language, attention, emotion, and consciousness. DHA helps maintain the fluidity of neuron cell membranes, which is critical for signal transmission, synapse formation, and brain plasticity.

2. Supports Neural Network Growth and Synaptic Connections
Between birth and age 2, a child’s brain undergoes rapid development, forming trillions of synapses. DHA plays a key role in enhancing synaptic growth and improving the speed and efficiency of neural communication. This is essential for language development, learning abilities, and social interaction skills.

3. Boosts Vision and Cognitive Function
DHA is also a key building block of retinal cells. A lack of DHA can impair visual development and clarity. Moreover, numerous studies link adequate DHA intake with higher IQ, better attention spans, and improved academic performance in children.

4. May Reduce Risk of Behavioral Disorders
Children who are low in DHA are more likely to exhibit attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD), anxiety, or slower cognitive growth. DHA helps balance brain chemicals and supports mood regulation and behavioral stability.

 

5. Critical Window: The First 1,000 Days
From the third trimester of pregnancy through the first two years of life, the brain experiences its most intense growth. During this time, the body actively accumulates DHA in the brain. Insufficient intake during this window can lead to long-lasting effects on brain structure and function.

How to Supplement DHA for Brain and Eye Health

 1. Through Food

The most natural way to get DHA is through diet, particularly:

Fatty fish like salmon, mackerel, tuna, sardines, and anchovies – rich, direct sources of DHA.

Seafood such as shellfish and algae-based foods.

DHA-fortified foods like eggs, milk, yogurt, and some plant-based beverages.

Breastmilk naturally contains DHA if the mother’s diet includes enough Omega-3s.

 

2. Supplements

For those who don’t consume enough DHA-rich foods (such as picky eaters, vegetarians, or people with allergies), supplements are a reliable option:

Fish oil softgels – A traditional and effective source of DHA and EPA for adults.

Algae oil capsules or liquid – A clean, plant-based option ideal for vegans, kids, and pregnant women.

DHA gummies – A kid-friendly and tasty way to support brain development.

 

3. Infant Formula

Most modern infant formulas are fortified with DHA to help mimic the nutritional profile of breastmilk and support early brain and eye development.

Tap into the Growing Demand for DHA Products

As a health product brand, distributor, or startup, there's a surging global demand for functional supplements targeting early childhood development, maternal health, and mental performance. DHA is at the center of this trend.

Why Partner with Jiabeikang?

At Jiabeikang, we specialize in OEM/ODM manufacturing of DHA supplements—from vegan algae oil softgels to kid-friendly DHA gummies, all customizable to your brand’s unique needs.

Private Label Ready: Custom formulas, packaging, and flavor options to help your brand stand out.

GMP & ISO Certified: Strict quality control and global compliance (including COA, third-party testing).

Flexible MOQ (often 500 units): Ideal for startups and growing brands.

Full B2B Support: From R&D to global shipping and regulatory documentation—we’ve got you covered.

-Official number: +86 19195579471

-Website: www.jiabeikang.ltd