Providing DHA and ARA for Your Baby
Infants must obtain DHA and ARA from their diets, so it is important that parents provide them a diet that includes adequate amounts of both nutrients. Research has shown that infants who consumed adequate amounts of DHA and ARA, either through breast milk or DHA and ARA supplemented formulas, had higher levels of DHA in their bodies. Adequate DHA levels may lead to improved developmental outcomes, including improved mental, visual and motor skill development.
DHA and ARA Through Breastfeeding
Breastmilk, the best source of nutrition for infants, naturally contains DHA and ARA. Therefore, it is important that breastfeeding women consume a healthy diet that includes these important nutrients to support both their health and the health of their developing infant.
While most women typically consume enough ARA in their diets, those who consume a typical Western diet are at risk for low stores of DHA. This may be because the primary dietary source of DHA is fatty fish, a dietary choice that is not a staple of the typical Western diet. Additionally, expert bodies such as the FDA have advised pregnant and nursing women to limit their fish consumption due to the potentially high levels of toxins such as mercury (See Fish Advisories).
As awareness of the importance of DHA continues to grow, more attention is being paid to the fact that breastfeeding women may need to supplement their diets with DHA. The typical American diet provides about 100mg DHA per day, while an expert body has recommended that pregnant and nursing women consume 300mg of DHA per day. Fortunately, a growing awareness of the dietary sources of DHA and the recent inclusion of DHA in certain prenatal products are making it easier for women who are breastfeeding to include this important nutrient in their diets every day.
DHA and ARA Through Infant Formula
Although breastmilk is the best source of nutrition for infants, some mothers are either unable to breast feed or choose to use infant formula for various reasons. Fortunately, over 90 percent of the infant formula sold in the U.S. now includes DHA and ARA. In fact, expert bodies such as a joint Expert Committee of the World Health Organization and the Food and Agricultural Organization (WHO/FAO) and others have recommended the inclusion of DHA and ARA in infant formulas.
Supplemented infant formula has been shown to be a good source of DHA and ARA for formula-fed babies. Certain studies have shown that infants who were fed formula supplemented with DHA and ARA at recommended levels showed improved mental development and exhibited better visual acuity than infants who were fed formula without these fatty acids.