Does breast milk contain DHA?

Breast milk is a food that children need to eat in the early stages of development, and it is also a better food for babies. This is because the nutrient content in breast milk is more suitable for newborn babies and can ensure all the nutrition the child needs. It must be said that breast milk contains DHA, which is essential for children's growth. Of course, even so, breastfeeding mothers still need to supplement DHA.

1. Does breast milk contain DHA?

Of course, breast milk contains DHA. Colostrum is particularly rich in DHA. However, the DHA content in mother's breast milk depends on the food structure of the three meals. Japanese mothers eat more fish, and the DHA content in their breast milk is as high as 22%, ranking first in the world; Australia is second, at about 10%; and the United States has the lowest level, at only 7%.

There is a "checkpoint" in the human brain called the "blood-brain checkpoint." This checkpoint controls the entry of substances, and DHA is one of the very few substances that can pass through. It has the property of [making the molecular structure of the cell membrane very soft]. The synapses of brain cells extend in all directions to reach other brain cells. The more DHA is distributed on the outer membrane of the synapse, the softer it is and the smoother the message transmission between nerve cells. The smoother and faster the information transmission between brain cells, the enhanced learning ability and memory will be, so DHA is an important nutrient that can make the mind smarter. Since we know that DHA is closely related to brain development and learning ability, we should consume more DHA, especially pregnant women, who should supplement DHA to supply the developing fetus.

2. Is it necessary to supplement DHA when breastfeeding?

Although breast milk contains DHA, women who breastfeed their children should also supplement DHA to prevent DHA deficiency. According to a research report by Dr. Lucas from the UK, children who are breastfed have a higher IQ than ordinary children because DHA can improve their IQ.

Human brain cells continue to grow before the age of three, so DHA is very effective in improving IQ. As we grow up, the number of brain cells not only stops increasing, but gradually decreases. At this time, DHA has the power to activate the remaining brain cells.

3. The more DHA you take, the better

1. The importance of DHA to infant and fetal development has been determined.

2. The prerequisite for DHA supplementation is DHA deficiency. Experiments have shown that moderate supplementation is effective when DHA is deficient, and DHA supplementation has an improvement effect on certain patients. Breastfeeding can provide infants with sufficient DHA.

3. If there is no DHA deficiency, DHA supplementation is not only ineffective, but also has side effects. Experiments using mice showed that a group of mice supplemented with DHA had a slightly shorter lifespan.