DHA, or docosahexaenoic acid, is an omega-3 fatty acid that’s crucial for brain development during early childhood. It’s also linked to reduced inflammatory response, better vision, and improved heart health.

Small quantities of DHA are naturally produced by our bodies. However, to reach the recommended amount, DHA needs to be consumed through dietary sources such as pasture-raised eggs, dairy, grass-fed meat, and cold-water fish. It can also be consumed through supplements.

In this review and guide, we’ll be taking a look at the top 6 DHA for kids supplements.

Best DHA for Kids: Top 6 Products

There are many DHA products on the market, but which one is the best option for kids? In this buyer’s guide, we’ll go through some of the most high-quality supplements currently on the market.

1. Gummy Vitamins With Omega For Children: Omega 3-6-9 DHA From Algae, Chia, and Coconut Oil

Your kids need a wide range of vegetables, fruits, minerals, vitamins, enzymes, natural fibers, probiotics, and omegas in order to be healthy and grow. For your organs to function properly, it’s essential that you consume Omega-3, since it supports skin health, heart health, brain development, and oxygen circulation. This great product has both Omega-3 and 6, which also supports bone strength.

Unlike many omegas you will find on the market, this isn’t in fish oil form. Instead, it comes in a chewy and delicious gummy, which tastes great. The orange and lemon flavors are suitable for kids, and they love it. 

The gummies are made in the USA, and the company adheres to the strictest standards when it comes to the manufacturing process. What’s more important is that these gummies have a vegetarian and gluten-free formula that is safe for children 2 years and up.

The company guarantees the quality, efficiency, and freshness of their gummies. If you’re not satisfied with the gummies for any reason, you can let the company know, and they will send you a replacement or refund – no questions asked.

The ingredients of this product include: glucose syrup, DHA, coconut oil, glucose cornstarch modified, natural flavors, Omega 9, sugar, Omega 6, natural colors, water, malic acid, Omega 3, sodium citrate, and carnauba wax.

Ingredients: 7 g total carbohydrates, 4 g total sugars, 20 mg vitamin C, 20 mg Sodium, 275 mg total Omega oil, 130 mg omega-3, 65 mg omega-6, 30 mg omega-9, 50 mg DHA.

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2. Nordic Naturals Children’s DHA Gummies

These omega-3 fish oil supplements by Nordic Naturals are intended for children ages 2 and up. Since not all kids like to eat fish, it can be difficult for them to consume all the DHA and Omega-3 they need daily. This is why the Nordic Naturals Children’s DHA gummies are so convenient. The gummies have a delicious tropical flavor and children love the taste.

The product is dairy-free, gluten-free, GMO-free, and does not contain any artificially-derived flavors or colors. The gummies adhere to the strictest international standards for freshness and purity, and are tested by a third party. 

The gummies come in foil packets that are individually-sealed and easy to open, which make them convenient for traveling or carrying around. While parents might love the product for its convenience, the kids will enjoy the gummies for their brightness and tropical taste.

The product contains the following ingredients: gelatin, paprika extract (for color), purified water, natural flavor, malic acid, purified deep sea fish oil (from anchovies and sardines), stevia, sodium citrate, sorbitol, xylitol, and canola oil.

Each gummy contains 600 milligrams of Omega-3 nutrients. The suggested dose is one gummy daily for children from 2 to 6, or as your pharmacist or healthcare professional recommends.  

Ingredients: 1 g total fat, 600 mg total omega-3, 145 mg EPA, 355 mg DHA, 100 mg other Omega-3s.

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3. Ez Focus Gummies for Kids

These supplements by Ez Focus can be used by kids, teens, and adults. Their formula offers support for focus, memory, and attention, and helps to enhance cognitive function and boost brain health.

The 60 lemon and orange-flavored gumdrops contain the DHA your child needs for brain development, with no caffeine or habit-forming additives.

The suggested daily dose is 3 gummies, or as instructed by a healthcare professional. The recommended dosage should not be exceeded. Those who have medical conditions or are nursing or pregnant mothers should consult with a physician before consuming the product.

Ingredients: total Carbohydrate 7 g, 2% Sugars 4 g, Vitamin C (ascorbic acid) 20 mg 50%, 33% Sodium 20 mg, 1% Total Omega Oil (Chia Oil & DHA) 275 mg. Typically Providing: Omega-3 (Alpha Linolenic Acid) 130 mg, Omega-6 (Linoleic Acid) 65 mg, Omega-9 (Oleic Acid) 30 mg, DHA (life’sDHA from algae) 50 mg.

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4. Dr. Moritz Inc. Omega 3 Gummies for Kids with Omega 6 and 9

Omega 3, 6, 9, and DHA are fatty acids that are essential for the well-being and health of children. You won’t have any trouble getting your kids to take their daily dose thanks to the delicious lemon and orange flavor from Dr. Moritz. No fish oil aftertaste from these gummies!

The gummies don’t contain any synthetic flavors or dyes, and they’re gelatin-free, gluten-free, dairy-free, non-GMO, fish allergen-free, soy-free, and suitable for vegetarians, as they contain no fish content. The DHA in these gummies comes from the microalgae that fish consume it from.

The gummies are meant for children who are older than the age of 2. You can be sure that this company adheres to the strictest manufacturing standards, as they produce their products in the USA.

The ingredients in this product include: cornstarch modified, Glucose syrup, carnauba wax, natural flavors, sodium citrate, sugar, glucose, malic acid, Omega 3, 6, 9 + DHA, water, coconut oil, and natural colors (annatto and turmeric).

Ingredients: 7 g total carbohydrate, 4 g sugars, 20 mg vitamin C, 20 mg sodium, 275 mg total Omega oil. 130 mg Omega-3, 65 mg Omega-6, 30 mg Omega-9, 50 mg DHA.

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5. MegaRed Omega-3 Hello DHA Kids Gummies

These gummies from MegaRed provide your children with the essential Omega-3 and DHA they need for eye and brain development. They help and support the overall well-being and health of your children.

It can be difficult to get enough Omega-3 in your daily diet due to preferences, dietary restrictions, or picky eaters. Luckily, these gummies have a great watermelon and orange flavor and are delicious to consume.

Two of these naturally-flavored gummies per day are recommended for supporting the brain and eye health of children aged 3 years or older. 

The ingredients of this product include: Total EPA (eicosapentaenoic acid) & DHA (docosahexaenoic acid) from fish oil, corn syrup, sugar, water, gelatin, orange juice concentrate, fish oil, natural flavors, lactic acid, citric acid, pectin, colors from fruits & vegetables, d-alpha-tocopherol, and mixed tocopherols.

Ingredients: 4 g total carbohydrate, 3 g total sugars, 5 mg sodium, 70 mg total EPA & DHA.

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6. Natures Craft DHA Omega 3 Gummies for Kids

These gummies from Natures Craft have a delicious lemon and orange taste and are full of beneficial nutrients. They work as a natural brain stimulator supplement for clarity, memory, focus, and energy.

The product contains Omega-3, 6, 9, fish oil, vitamin C, DHA, and EPA. Your kids will love the taste and bright colors as they get the important nutrients they need for brain and mood support, which could lead to more restful nights for the both of you. 

These gummy vitamins are not recommended for children under the age of 2 or for pregnant or nursing mothers. The recommended daily dosage is 3 gummies, or as recommended by a healthcare professional. The product is recommended to be taken with food and a full glass of water.

Ingredients: 7 g total carbohydrate, 4 g total sugars, 20 mg vitamin C, 20 mg sodium, 275 mg total omega oil, 130 mg omega-3, 65 mg omega-6, 30 mg omega-9, 50 mg DHA.

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The Benefits of DHA

Like we previously mentioned, studies have shown that DHA is essential for boosting brain development.[1] However, that is not the only documented benefit of DHA.

Neurotypical Development

A study published in Critical Reviews in Food Science and Nutrition has shown that lower DHA levels at birth are associated with higher rates of attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder or ADHD and autism spectrum disorders, while higher DHA levels are linked with better neurodevelopmental health in childhood.[2]

Problem-Solving and Visual Acuity

The American Journal of Clinical Nutrition published a study that concluded that babies whose mothers took DHA supplements during pregnancy had better abilities for problem-solving during their first year of life than the mothers who didn’t take supplements.[3] 

Another study concluded that mothers who took DHA supplements had infants with better visual acuity than mothers who didn’t.[4]

Decreased Risk of Preterm Labor

A decreased risk of early preterm labor was linked with DHA supplementation during the later weeks of pregnancy according to another study in the American Journal of Clinical Nutrition.[5]

Anti-Inflammatory Effects

A study published in the National Library of Medicine concluded that DHA and other omega-3 fats have anti-inflammatory effects.[6] Increasing your intake of DHA helps you balance the excess of inflammatory omega-3 fats that is typical of Western diets rich in corn and soybean oils.

The anti-inflammatory properties of DHA might also reduce the risk of chronic disease that comes with age, such as gum and heart disease. In addition, it might improve symptoms of autoimmune diseases like rheumatoid arthritis, which is a condition that causes pain in the joints.[7]

Eases Rheumatoid Arthritis

Another study published in the National Library of Medicine lasted for 10 weeks and worked with 38 people with rheumatoid arthritis. The study concluded that taking DHA on a daily basis decreased the number of swollen joints by 28%, compared to those who had taken a placebo.[8] 

This study was the first to indicate that DHA could ease and reduce symptoms of inflammation on its own, since there were many previous studies that had shown that supplements combining EPA and DHA helped alleviate the symptoms of rheumatoid arthritis.

The Side Effects of DHA

Even though it’s generally safe to consume DHA, taking DHA in the form of fish oil is known to have several side effects, including nausea, heartburn, and bad breath. There are even some concerns that fish oil can weaken the body’s defense against infection and reduce the responsiveness of the immune system.

In addition, combining fish oil with certain medications like blood pressure drugs may be harmful to your body, as fish oil has a blood-thinning effect. This is why it’s important to consult your healthcare provider or physician. 

Dosage

DHA is often sold as a liquid, gel cap supplement, or gummy. Many supplements contain a combination of EPA (eicosatetraenoic acid), an Omega-3 fatty acid that can also be found in fish oil, and DHA. The recommended dose is 5 grams of fish oil, which contains 72 to 312 milligrams of DHA and 169 to 363 milligrams of EPA.

What to Look For

DHA supplements are sold in many stores specializing in dietary supplements, including natural-food stores, grocery stores, and drugstores. However, the FDA doesn’t regulate supplements. 

In order to make sure that you’re getting a brand that is high-quality, make sure that the product has an independent third-party seal, like ConsumerLab, NSF International, or U.S. Pharmacopeia.

Final Thoughts

In conclusion, the human brain needs DHA for development, growth, and maintenance. As children wean off formula or breast milk, try to include fish or other DHA-rich foods in their diet. For kids that are inconsistent with their fish intake, make sure you consider supplementation. Getting DHA for kids is sure to support their vision and brain function.

 

References:

[1] Philippe Guesnet, Jean-Marc Alessandri, Docosahexaenoic acid (DHA) and the developing central nervous system (CNS) – Implications for dietary recommendations, 2011

[2] Bárbara P. Martins,Narcisa M. Bandarra & Margarida Figueiredo-Braga, The role of marine omega-3 in human neurodevelopment, including Autism Spectrum Disorders and Attention-Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder – a review, 2019

[3] Michelle P Judge, Ofer Harel, Carol J Lammi-Keefe, Maternal consumption of a docosahexaenoic acid–containing functional food during pregnancy: benefit for infant performance on problem-solving but not on recognition memory tasks at age 9 mo, 2007

[4] Sheila M Innis, Russell W Friesen, Essential n−3 fatty acids in pregnant women and early visual acuity maturation in term infants, 2008 

[5] Susan E Carlson, John Colombo, Byron J Gajewski, Kathleen M Gustafson, David Mundy, John Yeast, Michael K Georgieff, Lisa A Markley, Elizabeth H Kerling, D Jill Shaddy, DHA supplementation and pregnancy outcomes, 2013

[6] Rebecca Wall, R Paul Ross, Gerald F Fitzgerald, Catherine Stanton, Fatty acids from fish: the anti-inflammatory potential of long-chain omega-3 fatty acids, 2010

[7] Maria Tabbaa, Mladen Golubic, Michael F Roizen, Adam M Bernstein, Docosahexaenoic acid, inflammation, and bacterial dysbiosis in relation to periodontal disease, inflammatory bowel disease, and the metabolic syndrome, 2013

[8] C Dawczynski, M Dittrich, T Neumann, K Goetze, A Welzel, P Oelzner, S Völker, A M Schaible, F Troisi, L Thomas, S Pace, A Koeberle, O Werz, P Schlattmann, S Lorkowski, G Jahreis, Docosahexaenoic acid in the treatment of rheumatoid arthritis: A double-blind, placebo-controlled, randomized cross-over study with microalgae vs. sunflower oil, 2018