DHA Frequently Asked Question - About DHA and Child's Brain

4th Pediatric Infectious Diseases Conference

ISSN 0973 - 0958

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FAQ'S - ABOUT DHA AND CHILD'S BRAIN

Question:
How is DHA important for the brain?

Answer:
Docosahexaenoic acid (DHA) is the most abundant omega-3 (n-3) long-chain polyunsaturated fatty acid (LC-PUFA) in the brain and retina. It constitutes 40% of the PUFA in the brain & 60% of the PUFA in the retina. Docosahexaenoic acid (DHA) is an omega-3 long chain polyunsaturated essential fatty acid which is important constituent of the membrane of the nerves in the brain. In young children, it enhances the brain development and cognitive functions whereas in older age it decreases progression of Alzheimer's disease.

Question:
How does DHA act on the brain?

Answer:
DHA is an important constituent of membrane of the neurons. Low DHA levels increases risk of early death of the neurons. It has been found that total n-3 and n-6 polyunsaturated fatty acids increase in the whole forebrain during the prenatal and post natal period upto at least 2 years of age. Low maternal DHA is linked to poor child neural development and improving maternal DHA by supplementation decreases that risk. Human milk is a good source of DHA provided maternal DHA levels are normal. In young children, neurodevelopment and cognitive abilities are also enhanced by early provision of n-3 LC PUFA through milk or DHA fortified foods.

Question:
How does brain growth occur in children?

Answer:
The human brain begins forming by 3rd week of pregnancy and 100 billion neurons are formed during first 5 months of gestation. New neurons are produced throughout life though far less rapidly and probably in numbers sufficient only to replace those that gradually die off. However brain size increases more gradually; a newborn’s brain is only quarter the size of an adult (about 360-380 gm), grows to about 80% of adult size by three years of age (1090-1270 gms) and 90% by 5 years of age. Adult brain size is 1170-1310 gms. Thus brain development is most sensitive to a child’s nutrition in fetal period, in first 2 years of life and early childhood. Because of rapid brain growth, children need a higher level of fat and fatty acids in their diet. With DHA being an important part of the neuron membrane, adequate DHA content is crucial for brain development.

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