As parents, ensuring your child gets the nutrients they need can feel overwhelming — especially when it comes to lesser-known but important nutrients like the omega-3 fatty acid DHA (docosahexaenoic acid).¹,² At Kate Farms, we understand the challenge and we’re here to make it easier.
DHA is an important omega-3 fatty acid that helps support brain and eye development in children. DHA is often derived from fish oil, and getting enough DHA may be linked to thinking skills, vision, and behavior.³⁻¹¹ The good news is, for families who want to incorporate sources of DHA into their child's diets, there are convenient and nutritious plant-based alternatives to fish oils. We’re here to help reimagine how you can help meet your child’s nutritional needs — without compromise.
What is DHA, and why is it important?
DHA is a type of omega-3 fatty acid mainly found in cold-water fish, like salmon and mackerel.¹,² For that reason, people may consume fish oil supplements as a major source of DHA. However, dietary DHA is also in marine algae, the original source that fish get their DHA from by eating it in the food chain. This algae-based DHA has become popular for those who avoid animal products.¹² In children, DHA plays a helpful role in:
Brain health and development: DHA is important for brain health, especially in the first few years when the brain is growing fast. It remains important as kids grow, helping with overall cognitive function.⁸,⁹
Eye health: DHA helps support children’s eye health. Kids with higher DHA status and who consume higher levels of DHA in early childhood have been linked with improved visual acuity.³⁻⁷
Nervous system functioning: Compared to other cells, higher levels of DHA are incorporated into the membranes of brain cells and the central nervous system. ⁸⁻¹¹, ¹³,¹⁴
Non-Animal or vegan friendly sources of DHA.
Historically, DHA was thought to be difficult to obtain on a plant-based diet because people connected fish oil with omega-3’s like DHA. Thanks to modern nutrition science, there are several plant-based dietary DHA options for parents who prefer to avoid fish-derived DHA.¹²,¹⁵
Algal oil supplements: Algal oil, derived from marine algae, is a sustainable and direct source of DHA that doesn’t come from fish. This oil is often available in liquid form that can be easily added to a child’s diet. Algal oil has the same benefits as fish-based DHA and is suitable for all ages.
Fortified foods: Some plant-based foods, such as plant-based milk, yogurt, and even certain cereals, are now fortified with DHA. Checking labels at the grocery store for added DHA can be a simple way to boost a child’s intake.
Chia seeds, flaxseeds, and walnuts: These seeds and nuts don’t contain DHA, but they are rich in ALA (alpha-linolenic acid), another type of omega-3. While the body can convert some ALA into DHA, supplemental DHA provides a direct source to help support DHA levels in the body.
Seaweed and microalgae products: Nori, spirulina, and chlorella are natural sources of omega-3s, but are not rich in DHA. While they aren’t sufficient as the sole source of DHA, incorporating these foods can provide additional nutrients and support omega-3 intake in a plant-based diet.
Supporting growing minds and bodies at Kate Farms.
DHA is considered an important nutrient with health benefits: it’s a building block for your child’s brain and eye health. At Kate Farms, we believe that parents shouldn’t have to choose between nutrition and convenience. That’s why we’ve designed nutrition solutions tailored for modern families — making it easier than ever for your child to get the essential nutrients they need, including DHA, without the extra stress. Together, we can redefine nutrition as something joyful, sustainable, and effortlessly woven into everyday life.
A delicious and convenient plant-based shake. Made with USDA Organic pea protein and a phytonutrients blend.
$43.00
(Case of 12)
$43.00
(Case of 12)
$43.00
(Case of 12)
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References:
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Shahidi F, Ambigaipalan P. Omega-3 Polyunsaturated Fatty Acids and Their Health Benefits. Annu Rev Food Sci Technol. 2018 Mar 25;9:345-381. doi: 10.1146/annurev-food-111317-095850. PMID: 29350557.
Birch EE, Carlson SE, Hoffman DR, Fitzgerald-Gustafson KM, Fu VL, Drover JR, Castañeda YS, Minns L, Wheaton DK, Mundy D, Marunycz J, Diersen-Schade DA. The DIAMOND (DHA Intake And Measurement Of Neural Development) Study: a double-masked, randomized controlled clinical trial of the maturation of infant visual acuity as a function of the dietary level of docosahexaenoic acid. Am J Clin Nutr. 2010 Apr;91(4):848-59. doi: 10.3945/ajcn.2009.28557. Epub 2010 Feb 3. PMID: 20130095.
Birch EE, Garfield S, Castañeda Y, Hughbanks-Wheaton D, Uauy R, Hoffman D. Visual acuity and cognitive outcomes at 4 years of age in a double-blind, randomized trial of long-chain polyunsaturated fatty acid-supplemented infant formula. Early Hum Dev. 2007 May;83(5):279-84. doi: 10.1016/j.earlhumdev.2006.11.003. Epub 2007 Jan 18. PMID: 17240089.
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Mulder KA, Dyer RA, Elango R, Innis SM. Complexity of understanding the role of dietary and erythrocyte docosahexaenoic acid (DHA) on the cognitive performance of school-age children. Curr Dev Nutr. 2022 Jun 16;6(7):nzac099. doi: 10.1093/cdn/nzac099. PMID: 35854937; PMCID: PMC9283108.
McNamara RK, Able J, Jandacek R, Rider T, Tso P, Eliassen JC, Alfieri D, Weber W, Jarvis K, DelBello MP, Strakowski SM, Adler CM. Docosahexaenoic acid supplementation increases prefrontal cortex activation during sustained attention in healthy boys: a placebo-controlled, dose-ranging, functional magnetic resonance imaging study. Am J Clin Nutr. 2010 Apr;91(4):1060-7. doi: 10.3945/ajcn.2009.28549. Epub 2010 Feb 3. PMID: 20130094; PMCID: PMC2844685.
Parletta N, Niyonsenga T, Duff J. Omega-3 and Omega-6 Polyunsaturated Fatty Acid Levels and Correlations with Symptoms in Children with Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder, Autistic Spectrum Disorder and Typically Developing Controls. PLoS One. 2016 May 27;11(5):e0156432. doi: 10.1371/journal.pone.0156432. PMID: 27232999; PMCID: PMC4883772.
Lauritzen, L.; Brambilla, P.; Mazzocchi, A.; Harsløf, L.B.S.; Ciappolino, V.; Agostoni, C. DHA Effects in Brain Development and Function. Nutrients 2016, 8, 6. https://doi.org/10.3390/nu8010006
Christensen MS, Høy CE, Becker CC, Redgrave TG. Intestinal absorption and lymphatic transport of eicosapentaenoic (EPA), docosahexaenoic (DHA), and decanoic acids: dependence on intramolecular triacylglycerol structure. Am J Clin Nutr. 1995 Jan;61(1):56-61. doi: 10.1093/ajcn/61.1.56. PMID: 7825539.
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