Although DHA is not a household name, it is something families should become familiar with. A key building block in children’s development from conception to adolescence, DHA should be included in their diets, particularly during their formative years as it has been proven to have invaluable health benefits in boosting brain function and in ensuring healthy development of eye and nerve tissues.

A long-chain polyunsaturated fatty acid in the Omega-3 family of fatty acids, DHA plays several important roles in children’s development, especially in the last trimester of pregnancy and in the early years of childhood. Infants are usually able to get their daily requirement of DHA through breast milk if they are being breastfed by mothers who have an adequate supply of DHA from their diet, or through infant formula supplemented with DHA. However, once the intake of these foods stops, so does the intake of DHA. It should come as no surprise then, that children across Canada are not consuming enough of this Omega-3 in their diets, which means they are missing out on their chance to have higher IQ scores and better vision. (1)

DHA is most commonly found in fatty fish like salmon, mackerel and herring, not exactly at the top of kid’s lists of favourite foods (Omega-3 enhanced eggs are now an option though) so for more information on how you can incorporate more DHA in your children’s diets, read on…

Recognizing the importance of this nutrient in children’s development, Parmalat Canada has created two new products containing DHA, Beatrice Smart Growth Milk and Black Diamond Ficello Smart Growth Cheese Snacks.

“Many parents have no idea how important DHA is for their children’s optimal development,” says Gina Sunderland, Canadian registered dietitian. “Since the body does not naturally produce enough DHA, we have to turn to foods enriched with this unique Omega-3. By including these in your children’s daily diet, you are ensuring that they are getting the benefits of DHA, plus all the nutritional benefits of milk and cheese!”

So how do they get the DHA in Smart Growth Milk and Cheese Snacks?

By supplementing the diet of cattle with sources of DHA, some of the DHA from the feed is transferred naturally to the cows’ milk fat. This means both the milk and the cheese snacks have the exact same health benefits as the DHA found in fish, but with a taste children prefer.

In addition to including food and beverage products containing DHA in children’s diets to support brain, nerve, and eye development, also ensure that your children get a balanced diet according to the Eating Well with Canada’s Food Guide. Also, don’t forget that physical activity along with a balanced diet is key; make sure children are active every day to stay energized and alert.

What is the difference between the three types of Omega-3 fats?

Omega-3 fats are a type of polyunsaturated fat. The three main Omega-3 fats found in foods are:

Alpha-Linolenic Acid (ALA)
• Considered an essential type of Omega-3 because the body cannot produce it
• Can help prevent heart disease (2)
• Naturally occurs in flax, canola, soybean oils and walnuts

Eicosapentaenoic Acid (EPA)
• Plays a role in protecting the heart

Docosahexaenoic Acid (DHA)
• Plays a unique role in the development and maintenance of a healthy brain, nerve and eyes in the years of life when a child’s body is growing and developing
• The body is able to convert, albeit it small amounts (from 1 – 9%), of DHA from ALA

What is the acceptable intake for children?
Note: When reading the table, remember that DHA is only one of three types of “Omega-3′s.”

• Children between the age of 1-3 years old: 70 mg or 0.07 g of DHA
• Children between the age of 4-8 years old: 90 mg or 0.09 g of DHA
• Two servings a day of the homogenized Smart Growth milk would provide a 1-3 year old child with more than half of the Institute of Medicine’s recommendations for DHA
• Two servings of the Smart Growth cheese snacks would provide a 1-3 year old child with more than half the Institute of Medicines’ recommendations for DHA

With the introduction of Beatrice Smart Growth Milk, children can obtain their daily requirement of DHA in both regular and chocolate milk:

• Homogenized: 20 mg of DHA
• 2% Regular or Chocolate: 10 mg of DHA
• One 250 ml glass doubles the average intake of DHA in a child’s diet
• Also an excellent source of Calcium and Vitamin D

Suggested retail price: $3.99 – $4.50 for a 2 L carton.

The new Black Diamond Ficello Smart Growth Cheese Snacks are the first to contain DHA:

• Made with 100% natural, stringable cheese in “Cheddarific” flavour
• Contain 20 mg of DHA per 21 g serving

Suggested retail price: $5.99 for a 252 g bag of 12 cheese snacks.

Nutritional Information for These Products
Note: When reading the table, remember that DHA is only one of three types of “Omega-3′s.”

For more info, visit www.smartdairy.ca

(1) 27. Gustafsson PA, Duchen K, Birberg U, Karlsson T. Breastfeeding, very long polyunsaturated fatty acids (PUFA) and IQ at 6 1/2 years of age. Acta Paediatr. 2004 Oct;93(10):1280-7

(2) Renaud S, de Lorgeril M, Delaye J. et al. Cretan Mediterranean diet for prevention of coronary heart disease. Am J Clin Nutr 61 (supple):1360S-7S, 1995