NC-You probably know that omega-3s are good for you, particularly the omega-3 fat DHA (docosahexaenoic acid). Surprisingly, despite all of the reported health benefits of DHA most people do not get enough of this important nutrient, and children are particularly at risk.

DHA is an important nutrient in promoting good health; nerve cells in the brain and eyes need it to function normally. DHA is particularly important during the first two years of life and early childhood because during this time, the human brain increases approximately 3.5 times in mass.

You must get DHA through foods since your body cannot make enough of it on its own. Here's what else you need to know:

Why do we need DHA?
DHA is important to both adults and children for healthy nerve cells in the brain and eyes. In adults, DHA can protect against the development of a number of chronic diseases, such as Alzheimer's, cardiovascular disease and diabetes. In infants and children, DHA is essential for visual and cognitive development.

How much DHA do we need?
Many experts recommend that adults should get a minimum of between 160 to 300 mg of DHA each day. But adults typically fall short, getting less than 100 mg of DHA each day. Children also fall short and on average only get 40 to 50 mg per day.

Why are we not getting enough?
While the number of fortified foods available with DHA is increasing, it is sparse in our food supply. Children are especially at risk of a shortfall because when they are weaned from DHA-rich breast milk or infant formula, the foods and beverages that replace breast milk and formula are low in DHA, if they contain any at all. The main dietary source of DHA, fish, is not a staple of most kids' diets, and concerns about contaminants, as well as the rise in food allergies, have reduced children's fish intake even more.

What are good sources of DHA?
Good sources of DHA are cold-water fatty fish like salmon and tuna. If you're not a fish lover, there are now foods fortified with a vegetarian form of DHA made from algae called life'sDHA. Products featuring life'sDHA now available include: So Good Omega DHA soy beverage, Li'L Ones Yogurt from Dairyland, Cool Ones Yogurt, Dempster's Smart 100% Whole Wheat Bread, and Nanomega-3 Drink Mix.