Patient's question:
My child is 6 years old and was born one month premature. She is a girl and has been taking DHA algal oil since birth. Is it safe to continue taking it now, or could it cause side effects or lead to precociousness?Doctor's answer:
DHA is a very important polyunsaturated fatty acid for the human body, a major element for the growth and maintenance of nervous system cells, and a crucial component for the formation of the brain and retina. For infants, digesting DHA is vital for the development of their intelligence and vision. The digestion of DHA primarily occurs during the period of 6 months to 2 years of age, and can continue until the child is 12 years old. It is absolutely normal and will never cause any side effects or lead to precociousness.