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DHA/ARA

Innovation of Infant Formula Products and DHA/ARA

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IFC Comments Regarding Innovation of Infant Formula Products and DHA/ARA

Infant formula has been developed through the latest scientific research to meet the nutritional needs of infants. As scientific knowledge expands regarding the role of nutrients in optimizing growth and development - right down to the cellular level - refinements supported by this information are made to infant formulas in order to provide infants with the best possible nutrition when breast milk is not available.

Research Update

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In this section, you will find information regarding recent infant feeding research.

For Health Professionals

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This section provides information for health professionals regarding infant nutrition including important safety steps when preparing infant formula.

Infant Formula and DHA/ARA

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International Formula Council (IFC) Statement on DHA/ARA and Infant Formula
 

IFC’s position
U.S. infant formula manufacturers currently offer formulas containing docosahexaenoic acid (DHA) and arachidonic acid (ARA). Formulas containing DHA and ARA have been shown to provide visual and mental development similar to that of the breastfed infant. 

DHA Improves Motor Milestones

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Study Finds DHA Supplementation of Healthy Infants Improves Some, But Not All Motor Milestones

A study in the January 2009 edition of the American Journal of Clinical Nutrition by Agostoni et al.

DHA During Pregnancy

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Study Finds Higher Doses of DHA in the Neonatal Period Improves Visual Acuity of Preterm Infants

A study in the October, 2008 American Journal of Clinical Nutrition by Smithers et al.

Maternal Fish Intake During Pregnancy

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Study Finds Association of Maternal Fish Intake During Pregnancy and Breastfeeding Duration with Developmental Milestones in Early Childhood

A study in the September, 2008 edition of the American Journal of Clinical Nutrition found that children born to mothers who had a prenatal higher fish intake, a rich source of docosahexaenoic acid (DHA), and a greater duration of breastfeeding were associated with higher child developmental scores at 6 months and 18 months of age.1  However, the association of fish intake with child development was not affected

Experts Recommend DHA in Baby Formula

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International Expert Working Group recently recommended DHA and AA be added to Infant Formula

The recommendations of an international group of experts, headed by Berthold Koletzko, that docosahexaenoic acid (DHA) and arachidonic acid (AA) should be added to infant formula were recently published in the Journal of Perinatal Medicine. In this publication, the authors state that “a large database exists concerning not only the safety, but also the efficacy of infant formula containing AA and DHA.