In a world where parents are always searching for ways to support their child’s growth, one question often comes up: Is DHA alone enough for brain development? While DHA (Docosahexaenoic Acid) has long been known as a key brain nutrient, experts now emphasize that it works best alongside three other clinically proven brain nutrients —MOS+, Choline, and Lutein—to fully support a child’s four brain developmental milestones in Language, Focus, Memory, and Problem Solving.
Backed by scientific research and insights from brain development experts Dr. Nora Schneider and Dr. Ed Posecion, as well as hands-on experiences from Gifted Moms Solenn Heussaff and Mommy Prax Yap, here is the breakdown of three essential pillars of brain development: Proper Nutrition, Proper Parenting, and Proper Stimuli.
1. Proper Nutrition: Beyond DHA, What Else Does the Brain Need?
“A well-nurtured brain is key to unlocking a child’s full potential,” says Dr. Nora Schneider, a child psychologist and head of a clinical research unit in Switzerland. She explains that while DHA plays a crucial role in brain function, scientific studies show that a combination of four clinically-proven brain nutrients—DHA, MOS+, Choline, and Lutein—provides better support for a child’s cognitive development.
According to Dr. Schneider, these nutrients each have a specific role:
- DHA – helps enhance your kid’s learning abilities and supports brain & memory development
- MOS+ (Milk Oligosaccharides + Sialic Acid) – Facilitates language development by aiding neurotransmission and neurodevelopment.
- Choline – Essential for memory formation and information processing.
- Lutein – Contributes to focus and cognitive processing speed by supporting eye health and brain function.
Dr. Ed Posecion, Medical Director of Wyeth Nutrition and a pediatrician, explains the importance of a well-balanced diet. “Every time a child speaks a new word, remembers a detail, focuses on a task, or solves a problem, that’s brain development in action. Providing the right nutrients helps children reach and accelerate these cognitive milestones,” he says.
Parents can incorporate these brain-boosting nutrients into their child’s diet through nutrient-rich foods, ensuring that a balanced diet fuels a gifted brain.
2. Proper Parenting: Everyday Practices from Gifted Moms, Solenn and Mommy Prax
Nutrition is only one piece of the puzzle—how parents interact with their children also plays a critical role in supporting brain developmental milestones. Gifted Moms Solenn Heussaff and Mommy Prax Yap share their personal experiences in nurturing their gifted kids’ cognitive growth.
“Simple daily conversations, even about the most random things, help build language and memory skills,” says Solenn Heussaff, a hands-on mom to her multilingual daughter, Tili. She emphasizes that engaging kids in discussions, even about their favorite cartoons, helps reinforce focus, comprehension, and self-expression.
For Mommy Prax, mealtime is a golden opportunity for learning. “At the dinner table, I let my child take the lead in telling stories about their day. This helps with both language and memory recall,” she shares. She also encourages interactive activities like reading books together, making up new words, and playing storytelling games—all of which strengthen cognitive connections.
These everyday parenting techniques don’t require special materials or rigid schedules; rather, they involve being intentional in daily interactions to nurture cognitive development.
3. Proper Stimuli: Engaging Activities That Boost Brain Milestones
Apart from proper nutrition and positive parenting, providing the right stimuli is essential in shaping a child’s cognitive growth. Experts and gifted moms agree that a stimulating environment filled with meaningful activities strengthens the four brain developmental milestones.
“Play is a critical learning tool. Engaging in activities that require movement, problem-solving, and communication strengthens cognitive pathways,” says Dr. Ed Posecion.
To put this into practice, Solenn Heussaff and Mommy Prax Yap share some of their favorite brain-boosting routines:
- Memory Games & Puzzles – These enhance memory and problem-solving skills while making learning fun.
- Storytelling & Role-Playing – These boost language skills and encourage creativity.
- Outdoor Play & Sensory Activities – These improve focus and help kids process new experiences better.
- “Teach Me” Moments – Letting kids explain concepts in their own words improves comprehension and recall.
According to Dr. Schneider, these activities, when combined with the right nutrients, create an optimal environment for learning and development. “A child’s brain is like a muscle—it needs both the right fuel and the right exercises to grow strong,” she explains.
Bringing It All Together with PROMIL®
Supporting brain development requires a balanced approach—one that includes proper nutrition, engaged parenting, and meaningful stimulation.
For years, PROMIL® has been dedicated to providing parents with the right nutritional support to help children reach key developmental milestones. It has 4 more clinically proven nutrients of DHA, MOS+, Choline and Lutein designed to nurture each kid’s 4 brain developmental milestone of Language, Focus, Memory & Problem Solving
“All milestones start from a Gifted Brain,” says Mea Gabunada, Vice President for Marketing at Nestlé Philippines. “A child’s ability to learn, remember, and solve problems depends on how well their brain is nourished—which is why it’s crucial to go beyond DHA.”
By combining proper nutrition with everyday interactions and engaging activities, parents can take a holistic approach to brain development and help their children thrive.
Final Takeaway
Supporting a child’s brain development goes beyond just DHA—it requires a combination of proper nutrition, engaged parenting, and stimulating activities.
By ensuring kids receive the right combination of brain nutrients like DHA, MOS+, Choline, and Lutein, fostering intentional daily interactions, and creating a stimulating learning environment, parents can help their children reach their Language, Focus, Memory, and Problem-Solving milestones.
As Dr. Posecion sums it up, “What you do today lays the foundation for your child’s future cognitive abilities. Small, consistent efforts add up to lifelong benefits.” This is why PROMIL® encourages parents to #Go4More when it comes to nurturing their child’s brain development—by going beyond DHA and embracing a holistic approach that supports every brain development milestone with proper nutrition and positive, everyday interactions.
ADVT.
This article is brought to you by PROMIL®.
