DHA, known as “brain gold,” is one of the Omega-3 polyunsaturated fatty acids and is the primary component of children’s fish oil. The benefits it offers for brain development are a major reason why parents are willing to invest significantly in it. In Omega-3, there are two main types of fatty acids: EPA and DHA. While both have their advantages, their functions differ. EPA primarily supports cardiovascular health, while DHA is associated with nourishing the brain and maintaining eye health.
What is DHA?
DHA, or Docosahexanoic acid, is one of the omega-3 polyunsaturated fatty acids and is often referred to as the “brain gold.[1] It is a primary component of children’s fish oil, and its benefits for brain development are a significant reason why parents are willing to invest in it. Omega-3 fatty acids primarily consist of two types, EPA and DHA. While both have their benefits, they serve somewhat different functions. EPA is mainly associated with cardiovascular protection, while DHA is related to nourishing the brain and maintaining eye health.
The benefits of supplementing children with DHA include:
1.Visual Development:
Clinical studies suggest that infants fed with formula milk containing DHA within 1-9 days of birth showed significantly higher visual evoked potential at 12 months compared to those who weren’t supplemented with DHA [2].
2.Language Development:
Another clinical study involving infants from birth to six months who were given 250 mg of DHA and 60 mg of EPA fish oil daily demonstrated better language development compared to those not receiving supplementation, indicating DHA’s positive impact on early communication abilities [3].
3.Enhanced Learning Abilities:
Research indicates that during pregnancy, the concentration of DHA in the mother’s body significantly decreases as the fetus grows, highlighting the importance of DHA in brain development. DHA not only enhances neural connections[4], but supplementation has also been linked to improved cognitive functions in infants [5]. Therefore, many infant formulas emphasize containing rich DHA to support growth, development, and potential, and parents often consider continuing high-DHA fish oil supplementation post-infancy to boost intellectual performance and learning capabilities.
4.Allergy and Inflammation Reduction:
A clinical study involving premature infants born before 33 weeks found that breastfeeding mothers who had a high-DHA diet significantly reduced the risk of poor lung development in infants after 18 months. It also notably decreased the occurrence of asthma and allergic conjunctivitis symptoms in infants and toddlers [6].
Daily Recommended DHA Intake for Children:
- 6 to 24 months: Body weight in kg multiplied by 10-12 mg (DHA+EPA). For example, an 8 kg toddler could intake 8*10=80 mg/day.
- 2-4 years: 150 mg (DHA+EPA)/day
- 4-6 years: 200 mg (DHA+EPA)/day
- 6-10 years: 250 mg (DHA+EPA)/day
- Adolescents: Up to 1000 mg (DHA+EPA)/day
Is it Safe to Consume DHA during Pregnancy? According to the Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (FAO) recommendations for fetal and infant development, it is advised that during pregnancy and lactation, at least 200 mg of DHA should be supplemented daily [7]. Pregnant women are recommended to choose fish oil primarily containing DHA, as EPA has anticoagulant effects. If the fish oil supplement contains EPA, it is suggested to discontinue supplementation in the month before delivery to avoid increased childbirth risks.
Pregnant women taking DHA supplements before 20 weeks of gestation have babies with healthier birth weights, heights, and head circumferences. Additionally, in the DHA-supplemented group, there is a lower likelihood of preterm births, and for infants born preterm within the supplemented group, the duration of hospital stays is shorter [7].
Top 4 Recommended Children’s Fish Oils Compared
1. Daiken German Kids Fish Oil 80% DHA
- Omega-3 Fatty Acids (as calculated from label values): 80.0%
- DHA per serving: 200 mg
- EPA per serving: —
- Absorption Form: rTG
- Capsule Size: Small
- Complex Ingredients: Vitamin D
- Additives: None
- Daily Serving Count: 1
2. Lovita Children’s Fish Oil with 150mg DHA Softgels
- Omega-3 Fatty Acids (as calculated from label values): 60.0%
- DHA per serving: 150 mg
- EPA per serving: 30 mg
- Absorption Form: TG
- Capsule Size: Small
- Complex Ingredients: None
- Additives: Lemon Flavor
- Daily Serving Count: 1
3. SpringLeaf Super Kid’s Fish Oil
- Omega-3 Fatty Acids (as calculated from label values): 34.0%
- DHA per serving: 90 mg
- EPA per serving: 135 mg
- Absorption Form: TG
- Capsule Size: Medium-Large, Chewable
- Complex Ingredients: None
- Additives: Natural Citrus Oil, Citrus Flavor, Sweeteners, Edible Yellow/Red Colorants
- Daily Serving Count: 1
4. RISAL Little Fish Ball Chewable Softgels for Children
- Omega-3 Fatty Acids (as calculated from label values): 17.4%
- DHA per serving: 66 mg
- EPA per serving: 100 mg
- Absorption Form: TG
- Capsule Size: Medium-Large, Chewable
- Complex Ingredients: None
- Additives: Natural Orange Oil Flavor, Maltitol
- Daily Serving Count: 1
Comparison Table of 4 Popular Children’s Fish Oil
| Brand | Daiken German Kids Fish Oil 80% DHA | Lovita Children’s Fish Oil with 150mg DHA Softgels | SpringLeaf Super Kid’s Fish Oil | RISAL Little Fish Ball |
| Product Image | |
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| Omega-3 Fatty Acids (%)This value is calculated from the label | 80 | 60 | 34 | 17.4 |
| DHA per Serving (mg) | 200 | 150 | 90 | 66 |
| EPA per Serving (mg) | — | 30 | 135 | 100 |
| Absorption Type | rTG | TG | TG | TG |
| Capsule Size | Small | Small | Medium-Large, Chewable | Medium-Large, Chewable |
| Additional Ingredients | Vitamin D | None | None | None |
| Additives | None | Lemon Flavor | Natural Citrus Oil, Citrus Flavor, Sweeteners, Edible Yellow/Red Coloring | Natural Orange Oil Flavor, Xylitol |
| Recommended Daily Intake | 1 | 1 | 1 | 1 |
