Negros Oriental -- During the First 1000 Days of Life, nutrition provides the fuel that drives a child’s early development. Every child needs the right nutrients at the right time to feed his/her brain’s rapid development. When it comes to brain development, breastmilk contains a variety of nutrients. One of these nutrients found in breastmilk is DHA and ARA (2 long-chain polyunsaturated fatty acids) which are responsible for growth and brain development. 

DHA or Docosahexaenoic Acid and ARA or Arachidonic Acid are fatty acids that plays important role in the structure and function during the development of the eyes and brain. They help in support learning, visual sharpness, and overall brain development in a child. Aside from breastmilk, they are also found in fishes like tuna and salmon. Generally, when a lactating mother’s diet or meal has more fish, then the higher levels of DHA and ARA in her breastmilk. 

Breastmilk is a special living substance with unique components that cannot be replicated in infant formula, especially on its impact on the child’s brain development. A recent study found that children who are exclusively fed on breastmilk when they were still infants have higher IQ or Intelligence Quotient, with better scores in reading, mathematics, memory, and motor function tests. It is important that all lactating moms should follow Kumainment No 2 “ Sa unang 6 months ni baby, breastfeeding lamang; mula 6 months, bigyan din siya ng ibang angkop na pagkain”. 

Let us all act to improve nutrition during the First 1,000 Days of Life to enable every child to reach his/her full potential and secure a brighter future for us all. // ND II Jhianne Mae Nicole C. Tugaoen, RND