Nutrition for Fast Eye and Brain Development

Children’s young minds are quite impressionable when they are young and it is within that time period that they require the best nutrients for eye, brain, and body development. Three nutrients that come up, and rightly so, when it concerns the health of the eyes and brain development are Lutein, Vitamin E, and DHA. It is important to do as much as you can to help early in their years so they have better health and better developed later in life in their language and motor skills.1, 5

How they work

Providing a diet of fruits and vegetables that have these brain nutrients will help ensure your child has strong eyes, optimal growth, enhanced memory and more.

Lutein is a type of pigment found in fruits and vegetables, similar to Vitamin A. They help a child’s eyes by protecting the delicate eye tissues from damaging sunlight, thus preserving vision. With the same anti damage power, it supports the cells in the brain the same way for memory, learning, and development.1, 2

Vitamin E is one of the most powerful antioxidants. It supports cells, both in the eye and brain, by improving their resilience. The stronger those cells are, the more time they have to learn, recall, and boost a child’s confidence due to more independence. Not only that, but it also helps other nutrients and fatty acids from breaking down, increasing their effectiveness.1, 3

DHA (Docosahexaenoic acid, an omega-3 fatty acid) found in cell membranes, supports brain development by improving blood flow when the brain is taking care of a task. Since the brain never stops functioning, this nutrient’s effectiveness is very important. This is where Vitamin E comes into play so getting enough of both is essential for developing good vision and brain function.1, 3, 4

Where and how to get them

Any easy tip when looking out for food items rich in Lutein, Vitamin E, and DHA brain nutrients is color. Have their plates naturally colorful like a rainbow and the healthier they will be. For Lutein, any dark leafy greens like spinach, kale, or asparagus will do. It is also found in fruits like red apples, grapes or oranges.1, 2 Vitamin E is easily found in almonds, edible seeds, seed oils, and avocados, while DHA can be found in a variety of fish like salmon and trout.1, 3 For children who do not like or have difficulty consuming these types of food, there are nutritional supplements enriched with these nutrients available. For example,  , 7 with a unique combination of Lutein, DHA & Vitamin E to fully support brain & eye development. With additional key Brain Nutrients for faster learning and Protein, Calcium, Vitamin K & D to provide support for bones & teeth, children can grow up happy.

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References:

  1. https://www.nutritionnews.abbott/pregnancy-childhood/kids-growth/supporting-brain-and-eye-development-in-young-children/
  2. https://www.webmd.com/vitamins/ai/ingredientmono-754/lutein
  3. https://simmom.in/feediq/vitamin-e-dha-for-baby-brain-development#:~:text=Vitamin%20E%20protects%20DHA%20from,DHA%20from%20oxidizing%20with%20Lutein.
  4. https://abbottfamily.com.sg/articles/science/brain-eye-development
  5. https://similacmyanmar.com/available-products/#gainIQ
  6. Buck, Rachael, H. How Do HMOs Support Baby’s Immune Development?. Global R&D, Abbott Nutrition, 2017.
  7. https://www.abbott.com/corpnewsroom/strategy-and-strength/a-formula-for-innovation.html