DHA - ARE YOUR KIDS GETTING ENOUGH?

When it comes to the nutritional health of Canadian children, omega-3 DHA is becoming one of the most important nutrients to include in their daily diet.

• Scientific research confirms that omega-3 DHA or "docosahexaenoic acid" contributes to the normal development of the brain, the eyes and the nerves;
• Omega-3 DHA has also been linked to improved learning and visual abilities in children when taken in sufficient amounts;
• Because the body does not produce omega-3 DHA, it must come from the foods we eat. Foods naturally rich in omega-3 DHA include fatty fish such as salmon, tuna, mackerel and trout as well as flax, walnuts and leafy green vegetables such as spinach, broccoli and cabbage.

Surveys show that Canadians understand the importance of omega-3 DHA in the diet, but consumption from traditional fish sources remains very low.

• According to a survey conducted by Angus Reid Strategies on behalf of Wonder+ Headstart, eight in ten Canadian parents (77%) believe that it is important that their children consume omega-3 DHA as part of their daily diet; further, 76% are aware that the intake of omega-3 DHA can contribute to the normal development of a child's brain.
• Canada's Food Guide recommends eating at least two servings of fish each week . However, survey results show one in four (26%) Canadian children under the age of 14 consume fresh fish less than once a month, and 28% do not eat fresh fish at all. Since fatty fish such as salmon and fresh tuna are some of the few foods naturally rich in omega-3 DHA, it is vital that children consume alternate food products fortified with omega-3 DHA.

Parents admit their kids don't consume enough omega-3 DHA. They just don't know how to include it in the diet. New omega-3 DHA-enriched products will give parents and kids a convenient, good tasting way to increase their consumption of omega-3 DHA.

• Fewer than four in ten Canadians (38%) believe that their children are consuming enough omega-3 DHA in their daily diet and more than half (54%)of all Canadian parents surveyed revealed that they do not know of any convenient ways to include it in their children's diet.
• DHA is the most complex form of omega-3 essential fats, and very few foods contain a significant amount. Besides eating fish, there are new convenient ways to include omega-3 DHA in a child's diet.
• Look for a variety of omega-3 fortified foods available in the grocery store. New Wonder+ Headstart 100% Whole Wheat is the only sliced bread enriched with omega-3 DHA available in Canada. There are other readily available staples such as milk, yogurt, orange juice and eggs that are enriched with omega-3 DHA.

Wonder+ Headstart is the first and only sliced bread in Canada enriched with omega-3 DHA.

• Wonder+ Headsart, made by Weston bakeries has developed a delicious tasting bread that includes omega-3 DHA. Each 2 slices of Headsart bread contains 15mg of omega-3 DHA. The source is from MEG-3® omega-3 powder, from Canada's Ocean Nutrition - a global leader in omega-3 DHA nutrition.

NEW Wonder+ Headstart 100% Whole Wheat bread will be available in Western Canada, Ontario and Atlantic retail stores as of February 8th, 2008.

More information can be found by visiting www.wonderheadstart.ca