The effect of DHA on the growth of brain
The new born baby’s cranial capacity is on the growing stage and it is 2/3 of an adult brain. Thus, the nutrient for the growth of the brain is necessary, and the brain cannot grow without ω-3. In the brain lipid, 10% is DHA. In the hippocampus with memory, 25% is DHA. Supplying DHA can enlarge the brain capacity, speeding up the message management. It can help enhance the babies’ learning and memory abilities. It is very good for the babies’ brain growth, especially for the premature babies’.
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The effect of DHA on the growth of babies’ eyesight
DHA is the richest long-chain polyunsaturated fatty acids in the retinal light receptors and it is an important component of retina. It accounts for 50% the retina total fat. DHA is necessary for maintaining the function of rhodopsin. It makes an important effect on promoting the growth of retina material, the development of visual function, the improvement of visual acuity, etc.
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The supply of DHA
DHA is tightly related to the fetus’s and infant’s growth of the whole brain and eyesight. Therefore, the gravidas, the foster-nurses and the infants should supply DHA, whereas, lacking DHA will arise the problems of intelligence and eyesight. The babies, especially the premature babies and growth-stunted babies, are easily lack DHA, along with some health problems, such as defective vision, cognitive defect and hemorrhage of central nervous system. According to the recommendation of Chinese Nutrition Society,the amount of DHA needed during pregnancy is 200mg/d , and it is 100mg/d for 0-3 years old children.