difference between Kids Omega 3 and Kids DHA + D3/K2
We often get questions about the importance of omega-3 fatty acid supplementation in children. I have therefore decided to summarize important information on this topic in a clear article. At the same time, in this article you will learn the difference between Kids DHA + D3/K2 and Kids Omega 3 supplements, and when to choose which supplement.
What will you learn in this article?:
- Suitability of supplementation in pregnant women and children
- The importance of DHA
- DHA for brain and cognitive development
- Ensuring sufficient DHA during pregnancy
- DHA for vision development
- The Kids product range and the difference between Kids Omega 3 and Kids DHA + D3/K2
- Conclusion
Suitability of supplementation in pregnant women and children
Ensuring the intake of all necessary nutrients only from commonly available food is very difficult these days. Research shows that pregnant women, breastfeeding women and the smallest children are the most at-risk group from the point of view of acute and future health risks due to insufficient nutrition .
In order to prevent deficits of some key nutrients, especially vitamin D and vitamin K are routinely administered in pediatric practice . Docosahexaenoic acid (DHA) is also often discussed in connection with appropriate supplementation in children .
“It is necessary to realize that insufficient nutrition in the smallest children not only creates an acute risk of malnutrition and associated health consequences (deterioration of immune functions, developmental defects, etc.), but also increases the risk of future diseases in adulthood. (so-called fetal and nutritional programming).” explains Jakub Přibyl, nutritional specialist and author of Trime recipes. “A balanced diet and smartly chosen supplementation will thus help meet the nutritional needs and enable the normal development of infants and toddlers.”
The importance of DHA
While adults need a balanced ratio of both components of the omega-3 fatty acids EPA and DHA, DHA is especially crucial for children . DHA represents a structural fatty acid found in the human brain, skin and retina . This semi-essential fatty acid is a necessary substance for ensuring the normal development of the central nervous system and supports, for example, the proper functioning of the brain, cognitive functions, memory and vision .
EFSA (European Food Safety Authority) confirms the importance of DHA in relation to normal brain development. For pregnant women, lactating women and children under 2 years of age, it therefore lists daily reference doses for the intake of DHA fatty acid only.
DHA for brain and cognitive development
DHA is an important structural element that affects communication between neurons in the brain . During pregnancy and in the first few years of life, when the baby’s brain develops very quickly, DHA is especially important to ensure normal brain growth and development . Adequate DHA intake during early childhood is associated with better cognitive outcomes (for example, memory and sustained attention).
“In children with a lack of omega-3, or DHA, there is a risk that the development of the functions of the central nervous system will not be normal, and incorrect psychomotor development may occur, including a reduction in the intelligence quotient.” adds Jakub Přibyl.
Ensuring sufficient DHA during pregnancy
The extent to which a newborn and breastfed child is supplied with DHA varies widely and depends on the mother’s own DHA intake . DHA supplementation during pregnancy may also reduce the risk of preterm birth and the risk of low birth weight in the newborn . The intake of omega-3 fatty acids is important not only for the organism of the newborn, dependent on the intake of nutrients from breast milk, but also for the mother. DHA has been shown to prevent depressive moods in late pregnancy and the early postpartum period .
DHA for vision development
DHA is also a structural component of the retina of the eye and helps in the development and maintenance of healthy vision . Sufficient intake of this fatty acid in children is associated with better visual acuity and a reduced risk of vision problems.
The Kids product range and the difference between Kids Omega 3 and Kids DHA + D3/K2
The children’s product line differs from food supplements for adults in both the composition and concentration of active substances, as well as their ratios. The composition is adapted to the nutritional profile of the smallest children from the age of 12 months and is designed in such a way that this preventive supplementation prevents the occurrence of a dangerous deficit .
Kids DHA + D3/K2 is a more complex product combining the semi-essential fatty acid DHA with vitamins D3 and K2 and covers the daily required dose of all these 3 key nutrients.
Top of Form
Bottom of Form
Kids DHA + D3/K2
In stock
899 CZK
The Kids Omega 3 supplement serves rather to seasonally cover the omega-3 DHA fatty acid itself . Its use may be more appropriate during the summer , when children naturally synthesize vitamin D by exposing their skin to sunlight.
Top of Form
Bottom of Form
Kids Omega 3
In stock
599 CZK
So there is no need to use both supplements at the same time . Both Kids Omega 3 and Kids DHA + D3/K2 contain the same omega-3 DHA fatty acid. However, the Kids DHA + D3/K2 supplement also contains vitamins D3 and K2 that are often deficient.
Conclusion
Omega-3 fatty acids can be obtained naturally from, for example, wild fatty fish (salmon, mackerel, sardines). Some children consume these foods only in small quantities, and moreover, because of the possible increased burden of heavy metals, their too frequent consumption is not recommended for pregnant women, nursing mothers and children. Therefore, it is advisable to supplement omega-3 fatty acids through a quality supplement.
