A Head Start for Babies: from conception to toddlerdom

A Head Start for Babies: from conception to toddlerdom

There is more than one way to get a head start in life. In addition to fish, mothers and mothers-to-be can optimise their child's brain; eye and nervous system development by incorporating omega-3 DHA fortified foods into their weekly meal plans.

"It is well documented that both maternal consumption of omega-3 DHA during pregnancy and breastfeeding, as well as the inclusion of DHA in toddler diets, improves eyesight, coordination and attention spans in children," says Accredited Practising Dietitian, Melanie McGrice.

"Although fish are a nutritious source of omega-3 DHA and other nutrients, it is advisable to limit consumption to a maximum of three serves per week during pregnancy due to the amount of mercury it contains," Melanie explains.

"A lot of people don't know this, but there is a growing range of foods fortified with algal DHA including eggs, yoghurts, milk, and drinking powders which offer a great alternative source of omega-3 DHA for young children, mums and mums-to-be. Because the DHA comes from algae, not fish, you can now get your omega-3s from a mercury-free sustainable source," she says.

Melanie offers some omega-3 rich meal ideas for mums and babies on the next page.

Docosahexaenoic acid (DHA) is a long chain polyunsaturated omega-3 fatty acid, important for the body's development and health. DHA is found throughout the body but is most abundant in the brain, eyes and heart. It is important pre-natally and post-natally for optimal infant brain, eye and nervous system development.

DHA supplementation during breastfeeding has been linked to mental development advantages in children including psychomotor development (such as eye-hand coordination), improved attention skills, and improved ability to adjust to new surroundings.

Infants and children have demonstrated higher scores on tests for visual and neural development through the inclusion of DHA in their diet. In addition, modest intakes of DHA rich weaning foods, toddler foods and supplements have been shown to increase tissue DHA levels which are associated with improved neurological outcomes in infants, toddlers and children.

According to Melanie recent research shows many children, in fact Australians in general, are falling well short of the recommended daily intake of omega-3 fatty acids.

"Many people either don't like fish or are concerned about consuming too much due to the allergens and contaminants some fish contain - this can mean they are not getting enough omega-3 DHA in their diets," Melanie explains.


"Women who wish to limit their fish intake during pregnancy or supplement their own or their child's diet with alternative sources of omega-3 DHA can incorporate fortified eggs, yoghurts, drinking powders and milk into their weekly meal plans."