THE PHARMACIST’S CORNER -Boost Your Child’s Brain with DHA

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One very important chemical that your body needs is DHA or docosahexaenoic acid. This is a type of omega-3 fatty acid. You may have heard about omega-3 fatty acids in fish oils for heart health in adults. DHA is actually a major component of the brain and eyes and is an important developmental element for children. Infants get their first dose of DHA through their mother’s breast milk, which is yet another reason to breastfeed as long as possible. Some have said this is the missing link between breastfeeding and the enhanced intelligence found in breastfeed infants/toddlers. Many experts even think that omega-3 fatty acid deficiency may contribute to attention deficit disorders. For these reasons, it is important that children continue to consume DHA for optimum brain development after weaning.

Algae is one of the main producers of DHA in nature. When fish eat creatures that consume the algae, DHA eventually gets into the fatty tissue of fish and hence fish oil. Toxins, like mercury, concentrate in fatty tissue; therefore, it is not a good idea to give infants or children DHA made from animal products. Natural sources of DHA include walnuts, flax seeds, green vegetables, fortified grocery products and DHA supplements made from clean, farmed algae. Fuel up on DHA for your child’s healthy development.

THE PHARMACIST'S CORNER -PROBIOTICS

Probiotics May Boost the Immune System

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Probiotics are good bacteria similar to those found in our gut. They are available in foods like yogurt or they can be taken as a supplement. A recent study found that children who took probiotics for up to six months lowered the duration of flu-like symptoms by 48%. The use of antibiotics was reduced in this group of children by 84%. The strains examined in this study were Lactobacillus acidophilus and Bifidobacterium animalis. No negative affects were noted from probiotic supplementation; get the word out that giving your child a multistrain probiotic supplement is a safe and effective way to shorten the symptoms of this year’s cold and flu season. Click here to see the full text of the article.

Probiotics supplements for children can be found in most pharmacies and health food stores. I prefer a brand that is kept in the refrigerator. You can also find these good bacteria in a variety of dairy and other grocery products. Check the labels and look for the line “contains active live cultures.” Probiotics are also good for adults. Boost your immune system with these friendly bacteria.

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