Baby’s DHA is a dietary supplement offered in a liquid form to support the healthy development of babies, including the brain, vision, and nervous system. The product is offered as one of the many natal supports formulated by the Norwegian company Nordic Naturals.
This company has a history of 20 years in the industry of nutritional supplements and markets over 70 products worldwide. Unlike some of the competitors who use synthetic fats (ethyl ester molecular form) Nordic Naturals provides natural sources of Omega-3 fatty acids that guarantee optimal absorption and increased potency. The fish from which the nutrients are extracted come from sustainable sources of clean waters. None of the four species used (anchovies, sardines, cod, and salmon) is an endangered species.
The formula is claimed as 100% Arctic cod based meaning it is a non-synthetic supplement. It’s specially formulated to help mothers who want to provide the most powerful and healthy nutrients even from their babies first days of life. The product is described as suitable for children weighting 5-35 lbs. The essential fatty-acids DHA and EPA along with other Omega-3s provide optimal brain support while bringing numerous other long term benefits (on the the heart, bones, immune and respiratory system, etc.)
Baby’s DHA is marketed as third-party tested product that meets the requirements of international standards for purity and freshness.
1) What is Baby’s DHA?
Baby’s DHA nutritional supplement features a synergistic blend of vitamins and fish-oil-based fats.
DHA is one of the two polyunsaturated fats considered essential for its benefits on the normal development, growth and functioning of the brain. In the case of infants who were provided with the necessary DHA amounts, studies have shown increased cognitive function and brain performance. DHA may be synthesized from both vegetal (leafy green vegetables, algae, nuts and seeds, and fortified foods) and animal (tuna, cod, salmon, anchovies) sources.
The formula provides a total amount of 250 IU of Vitamin D3 also known as cholecalciferol. Researchers have stated that this is the most bio available form of vitamin D. Babies should be fed with 400 IU liquid vitamin D per day starting with their first days of life. Breast milk may not provide the complete amount of this vitamin. This is why vitamin D-fortified formulas are the best solution to supplement its intake. This nutrient is necessary for a proper Calcium absorption thus supporting a healthy bone system development.
2) Baby’s DHA Nutrition Facts
Baby’s DHA contains the following ingredients: Vitamin A, Vitamin D3, EPA, DHA and other Omega-3s, purified arctic cod liver, rosemary extract, and d-alpha Tocopherol
3) Does Baby’s DHA Work?
Baby’s DHA is a blend of several active ingredients, vitamins, and Omega-3 fatty acids.
Vitamin A is one of the two vitamins featured by this formula with an active role in supporting a healthy vision. Another significant benefit it mainly brings for children is in promoting the health of the digestive system. A worrying number of children under five years old have been diagnosed with Vitamin A deficiency which is considered a far-reaching problem as this may lead to blindness, low immune function, and in more severe cases, increased risk of death. To prevent the adverse effects of a deficiency in this essential nutrient, most baby foods have been supplemented with proper amounts of vitamin A. The recommended daily intake for children under three years old is 1,000 IU.
EPA and DHA are essential polyunsaturated fats that support the healthy development of the baby. Breast milk is known to contain proper amounts of these fundamental fatty acids, hence their importance to infant health. A deficiency in these nutrients may affect the cognitive function and learning and memory of the child. EPA and DHA were also shown to play a major role in improving symptoms of ADHD in children. Long-term benefits of the heart, immune system, reproductive and metabolic function seem to be even more important, as emerging new evidence confirms these therapeutic properties. The recommended daily amounts for children aged 0-3 years old vary between 500-700 mg.
Although the manufacturer does not mention any side effects for their formula, each of the active substances is responsible for causing specific unwanted reactions (mental and mood changes, vision changes, increased risk of bleeding, nausea, vomiting or loss of appetite), especially in babies (which are more sensitive).
4) Baby’s DHA Benefits & Results
- The manufacturer is a reputable and trusted source of dietary supplements
- The formula’s price is relatively low
- A large number of testimonial support the benefits of the formulation
- The formula provides sufficient amounts of EPA/DHA.
5) Precautions of Baby’s DHA Use
- Although the formula is claimed as tested, there is no evidence of a clinical study involving it
- No side-effect is mentioned by the manufacturer
- There is no free trial offer available
- The money- back guarantee is conditioned by certain restirctions.
6) Baby’s DHA Price
A month’s supply of Baby’s DHA offered by Nordic Naturals comes at an affordable price. The product is available for online purchasing from the manufacturer’s official site only for US customers. Shipping prices are not included. The total value of these additional costs is disclosed only after completing the order form.
A return policy is available for products purchased directly from the official site. This policy doesn’t apply to the products purchased from a third-party retailer. The product must be authorized for return in less than 30 days from the date of the order. All returns must include products in their original packages, undamaged and unmarked in any way.
7) How to Take Baby’s DHA
The suggested dose of Baby’s DHA depends on the weight of the baby. It starts at 1 ml/ day for children 5-10 lb and reaches 4ml/day for children 26-35 lb. A complete list of recommended doses is available on the official page of the formula.
8) The Bottom Line – “Does it Work?”
Baby’s DHA is not a unique supplement. Other competitors offer similar formulations in the same price range. The reputation of the manufacturer is however a great advantage, while consumers seem to have mostly positive reviews about this product. Some consumers indicate however that the formula has a specific fishy odor which is very persistent.
The product is advertised as free of artificial colors and flavoring while also lacking gluten and milk derivates known to cause allergies in babies. The number of nutrients included in the formula is not large, but some unwanted side effects are not excluded. For safety reasons it is our advice to ask your physician about the warnings and interactions of such a formula before giving it to your baby.
I think this formula is one of the best I have given so far to my baby. It is easy to keep count of the quantity and he has no problem in taking the drops, from the first time he tasted it. So I am very satisfied to know that my baby is getting all the nutrients he needs for a normal development.
My baby girl received this formula very well, and she is usually more picky about what I feed her. I have made some research and found that the formula also provides sufficient amounts of each ingredient.