06.01.08
A recent Children’s Nutrition Survey indicates that a majority of U.S. parents aren’t aware of the critical benefits DHA (docosahexaenoic acid) offers in the development of their children. The survey was conducted online within the U.S. by Harris Interactive, Rochester, NY, on behalf of Stremicks Heritage Foods, Santa Ana, CA, between March 20-25, among 1244 U.S. adults ages 18 and older who are parents or legal guardians of children under the age of 18. Research revealed that 68% of U.S. parents are not sure what omega 3 DHA does, and 59% of parents are not aware of the benefits DHA offers their child’s health. Though nearly three in four (72%) survey respondents said they make a conscious effort to include certain vitamins and nutrients such as vitamin C (55%) and calcium (53%) in their child’s daily diet, only 7% are consciously including omega 3 DHA. While about one in five are aware of the importance of DHA before pregnancy (19%) and during pregnancy (22%), less than one in five recognize the importance of this nutrient to a newborn (18%) or infant (18%). Even fewer know that DHA is especially important to the health of toddlers (16%) and preschool-aged children (14%).