Effects of Omega-3 Fatty Acids on Infant Brain and Child Development
Cognitive range of omega-3 fatty acids
Research consistently shows that fetal nutrition may influence a child's developmental milestones. However, the main focus of infants and toddlers' growth today is their cognitive development. Since many studies have yielded relatively clear results, pediatricians and related medical staff will prescribe supplements of omega-3 fatty acids (docosahexaenoic acid) to promote brain maturation in newborns. In fact, the original range of this "substance" is particularly wide and includes all types of polyunsaturated acids and folic acid. The interplay of these studies suggests clear links between polyunsaturated acids and folic acid and improvements in child development, infant growth, gestational age, and cognitive function in children (infants or under 7 years of age) and older adults with cognitive impairment, such as visual deterioration and brain degeneration.
However, this article is limited to introducingOmega-3 fatty acidsHow and why does it have a psychological impact on the development of the infant's nervous system? Therefore, the conclusion mainly revolves around the key role of Omega-3 fatty acids for pregnant women during pregnancy and infant weaning period.
What is cognitive development? What does cognitive development mean?
Have you ever seen a little genius? The answer is definitely yes. Every parent in the world has a common goal - to have a healthy child without any neurological defects. However, achieving that goal requires special proactive measures both before and after childbirth. A child's intellectual growth is worth everything. Once their intelligence develops in a good direction, they will also excel in this area as they grow older.
Many times, a child's developmental milestones are important indicators of the child's future success. In the first few weeks after birth, newborns typically show a high rate of physical growth and learning ability. In the later growth, each child's learning and cognitive abilities vary from person to person, mainly depending on the combined effect of multiple factors such as genetic quality, physical fitness and nutritional intake. Therefore, it would be unwise for parents to seek the advice of a licensed physician if their child has any potential differences in development.
After birth, some of a child's early cognitive development includes visual acuity, nonverbal communication, emotional expression, and a nearly accurate understanding of what they see, hear, or feel. Their learning ability is at its peak in the early stages; they will look at you with curiosity, hoping to learn something from you every day. These children can demonstrate acute psychomotor abilities and mental development in a split second. At the beginning, the children's sharp eyes show that they have a good sense of cognition and concentration on learning. They understand what a smile means and how to respond to a frown.
There are also countless examples of clever young children who know how to flip the power switch or how to use the red button to turn on the TV remotely. When you see your child demonstrate some great psychomotor skills, at least give them a “wow” and give them validation. In addition, children's correct cognitive development also means that other efforts can also promote their positive growth, because smarter children are more likely to perform better with some small encouragement. Their cognitive abilities make it easier for them to connect with others and better integrate into society.
How do omega-3 fatty acids boost brain development?
Several studies have shown convincing correlations between DHA and outcomes in infant neurological development. In fact, these studies all suggest that pregnant women should eat more during pregnancy and lactation.Supplements containing DHA (Omega-3 fatty acids)It helps to improve children's psychomotor ability and cognitive development.
But why do you need to supplement with Omega-3 fatty acids? Here are the reasons:
According to science, human infants and young children have limited ability to synthesize Omega-3 long-chain polyunsaturated fatty acids. This results in a buildup of fatty acids in the brain and retina of fetuses during late pregnancy or a year after birth, and in the brain and retina of infants. Therefore, these studies believe that the presence of a large amount of fatty acids seriously affects children's high cognitive ability and visual acuity, and thus affects the development of the nervous system.
Nutritional journey for pregnant women
The results of these studies urgently urge breastfeeding mothers and pregnant women to consider whether to consume adequate omega-3 fatty acids in the form of diet or supplements. And infants and young children can only get enough fatty acids from their mothers.
Breast milk is the best source of DHA for babies after birth. Several studies have shown that breastfed children have better psychomotor abilities than formula-fed children.
For normal development of children, pregnant and breastfeeding mothers can get oily fish such as anchovies, herring, mackerel, salmon, sardines and swordfish.Omega-3 fatty acids. Alternatively, they can get omega-3 fatty acids from plant sources such as flaxseed oil, soybean, pumpkin and algae oils, or from tree nuts such as walnuts, pecans and hazelnuts. In addition, nutritional supplements for pregnant or breastfeeding mothers can be supplemented with Omega-3 fatty acids alone or in combination with other nutritional sources. With no reported risks or adverse effects, DHA is safe for pregnant women and beneficial for the nervous system development of unborn babies and young children.
Reference sources:
Lucas A, Morley R, Cole TJ, Lister G, Leeson-Payne C. Breast milk and subsequent intelligence quotient in children born preterm. Lancet. 1992;339(8788):261-264. doi:10.1016/0140-6736(92)91329-7
Colombo J, Kannass KN, Shaddy DJ, et al. Maternal DHA and the development of attention in infancy and toddlerhood. Child Dev. 2004;75(4):1254-1267. doi:10.1111/j.1467-8624.2004.00737.x
Uauy R, Mena P, Rojas C. Essential fatty acids in early life: structural and functional role. Proc Nutr Soc. 2000;59(1):3-15. doi:10.1017/s0029665100000021
Colombo J, Kannass KN, Shaddy DJ, et al. Maternal DHA and the development of attention in infancy and toddlerhood. Child Dev. 2004;75(4):1254-1267. doi:10.1111/j.1467-8624.2004.00737.x
