Healthy Brain Development in Children
The brain grows rapidly before birth and in childhood
Children are ready to grow and learn from the moment they are born
Although our brains keep growing and changing throughout life, a healthy lifestyle and good nutrition in the first 9 years of a child’s life can help to lay the foundation for their future learning and brain health
Healthy brain development can be supported by:
- Eating a variety of healthy foods, including protein, healthy fats (including omega 3 oils), fruit, and vegetables – healthy eating as a child establishes life-long healthy eating habits
- Drinking water instead of sugary sports drinks, sodas, and fruit juice – sugary drinks in childhood may have a life-long negative impact on learning and memory
- Getting plenty of sleep – sleep helps children with their social skills and behaviour
- Avoiding excessive screen time – it may impact memory, learning, language, and mathematical skills and takes time away from active play
- Getting regular exercise and making time for active play and dancing – being active is important for brain functioning and development and for physical health
- Making time to play outside
Did you know? Omega 3 fatty acids support healthy brain development, learning and behaviour
What are omega 3 fatty acids?
- Omega 3 fatty acids are healthy fats named polyunsaturated fatty acids (PUFAs)
- They are called essential fatty acids (EFAs) as they are necessary for human health
- Humans must get EFAs from our food or supplements as we cannot produce it
- There are 2 main types of EFAs – omega 3 and omega 6
- The main components of omega 3 EFAs are DHA & EPA
- DHA is found in high amounts in the brain and essential for brain and eye development and function, while EPA influences behaviour and mood
- Most people consume too much omega 6 and too little omega 3 oils
- Omega 3 fats, and DHA in particular, are mainly found in fatty fish, shellfish and algae, as well as breast milk
- Most children do not eat enough of these foods to ensure optimal omega 3 intake from their diet
- Studies have shown that supplementing with omega 3 improves DHA and EPA levels in the body resulting in improved brain function
Did you know: Omega 3 EFAs are essential brain nutrients
Omega 3 EFAs are needed in high concentrations to support:
- Optimal brain function and mental performance
- Energy and stamina
- Concentration and attention
- Learning and memory
- Calmness and behaviour
Did you know? When buying an omega 3 supplement you must read the label carefully
Not all omega 3 supplements are the same.
To know what you are buying look at the ingredient label on the back of the container and compare:
- Total omega 3 content – 160g
- DHA levels – 125mg
- EPA level – 30mg
Choose a supplement with high DHA levels to support healthy brain function.
BrainChild Fishy Burstlets are made from sustainably sourced tuna oil, to provide high DHA levels
The Brainchild Omega-3 Fish Oil Burstlets are routinely tested for Heavy Metals to ensure only the best quality products for your little one.
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