Supplementing with DHA and ARA for infant’s brain and vision development

Rajesh D Ahire, Rakesh S Dhole

Ahinsa Institute of Pharmacy, Dondaicha, Dhule, Maharashtra India

Refer this article

Rajesh D Ahire, Rakesh S Dhole. Supplementing with DHA and ARA for Infants' Brain and Vision Development, sep - oct 2023, V 1 - I 2, Pages - iv – vii. Doi: https://doi.org/10.55522/ijti.V1I2.0002.

ABSTRACT

In new borns, docosahexaenoic acid (DHA) is essential for both the growth and functional development of the brain. Maintaining proper brain function requires DHA. While insufficient DHA in the diet is linked to learning and visual development impairments in babies, DHA in the diet enhances learning capacity. Natural sources of DHA and arachidonic acid (ARA) are widely available in diets, as well as through fortified meals, drinks, and supplements. DHA can also be found in meat and eggs, albeit in little amounts. The first two years of life and pregnancy are when the baby's brain grows the most. New born babies have the highest need for docosahexaenoic acid (DHA) throughout these periods. It is a crucial vitamin for supporting brain growth. Docosahexaenoic acid (DHA) and arachidonic acid (ARA) enriched new born food showed enhanced brain development and improved visual acuity.

Keywords:

Dietary source, Visual acuity, DHA, and ARA