How is DHA and ARA supplemented?

These two types of fatty acids are extremely important for the development and maintenance of the " power " of the brain. DHA, ARA from natural or artificial food sources are equally effective, the important issue is the ratio and content.

Studies have shown that DHA and ARA fatty acids increase children's intellectual index and slow the aging of adult minds. They account for about a quarter of the dry weight of the brain. Therefore, many foods, especially powdered milk, are supplemented with this substance and their precursors ( omega 3, omega 6 ). However, according to Garry Wainscott, nutrition expert, Director of Teknolink Nutrition Company, Australia, many recent studies have demonstrated, only a very small part of precursor metabolites into DHA and ARA, while most The body uses it to replenish energy and form substances that are beneficial for the immune system. Therefore, it is recommended to directly add DHA and ARA to food.

" Many studies have demonstrated that dietary supplementation with DHA and ARA increases the accumulation of these two substances in erythrocytes and vision development of infants. This proves that DHA and ARA help to develop intelligence. brain "- Mr. Wainscott explained -" At this time, children do not speak to express their thoughts so their brain development is assessed through vision, because retinal cells and brain cells have the same source original in the fetal period ". According to a study conducted on breastfed babies, the children with the highest vision and the ability to recognize the best language were children of mothers with abundant amounts of DHA and ARA in milk.

Dr. Nguyen Tien Dung, Head of Bach Mai Hospital's Department of Pediatrics said that there are many foods, especially powdered milk, supplemented with DHA and ARA. However, for them to be effective, it should be supplemented according to an optimal ratio and content, according to the recommendation of the World Health Organization and the Food and Agriculture Organization ( WHO and FAO ). Accordingly, the ratio of standard DHA / ARA is 1/2. WHO and FAO believe that this is the most similar rate to breast milk. Survey of the above 2 fatty acids content in women 's milk in many continents, scientists found that, despite the different physical conditions and eating habits, the ratio of DHA / ARA in breast milk is almost always is 1/2.

Also according to WHO and FAO, the optimal level of infant development is DHA 17 mg / 100 Kcal and ARA 34 mg / Kacl , equivalent to 76 mg of DHA and 152 mg of ARA in 100 g of milk powder . According to Dr. Dung, most types of powdered milk on the Vietnamese market do not meet this standard. Many dairy companies maintain the standard content of DHA and ARA in products circulating in the European and American markets, but less when selling products to poor countries, including Vietnam.

Mr. Dung also said that when DHA and ARA supplements are the most important, the first year after birth. This is when the brain grows at the highest speed. At birth, the brain weight is only 25% of that in adulthood. But after only 6 months, this figure was up to 50% and 12 months was 70%. With this growth rate, the brain needs a lot of nutrients, especially the fatty acids that support the above intelligence. Adding them now is most appropriate.

' Of course, after that golden moment, DHA and ARA are still needed for the development and maintenance of the human mind ' - Mr. Wainscott said - ' In addition to the time, the ratio and the content, attention should be paid to the time. amount of use. Studies have shown that, to make a difference compared to children who do not or have not received DHA, ARA supplementation, they should be used at the standard level for at least 12 months; This is especially evident with 1-year-olds . '

For children who already have abundant DHA-ARA sources in their breast milk, Mr. Wainscott said it would not be useless to get these two supplements from fish oil or other products. However, it is best to supplement indirectly, meaning that the mother eats those foods and transmits DHA, ARA through the milk to the baby.

Hai Ha