You may have heard us mention DHA and ARA...but what are these important ingredients, and why do we include them in our range? Let’s take a closer look at DHA and ARA, their benefits, sources, and their role in infant nutrition.
What is DHA?
Docosahexaenoic acid (DHA) is an omega 3 long-chain polyunsaturated fatty acid (LCPUFA).
What is ARA?
Arachidonic acid (ARA) is an omega 6 long-chain polyunsaturated fatty acid (LCPUFA).
Why are DHA and ARA important for babies?
DHA is vital for eye and brain development while ARA is vital for brain growth, immune function and cell signaling. Think of a house: to build a sturdy structure, you need the right materials. For babies, DHA and ARA are the foundational ingredients for developing their brains and eyes.
Where do DHA and ARA come from?
While the body can produce DHA and ARA, it does so inefficiently. They can also be obtained from various foods:
Foods high in DHA: Salmon, mackerel, sardines, cod liver oil, algae and eggs.
Foods high in ARA: Chicken, eggs, pork, beef and fish.
The role of DHA and ARA in baby formula
From the third trimester in utero through to age two, babies are quite literally building their brains and eyes. During this critical phase of development, DHA and ARA are two of the most important ingredients.
Breast milk contains DHA and ARA from the mother’s diet. To replicate the nutritional profile of breast milk, many formula brands fortify their blends with these essential fatty acids.
Where does DHA and ARA in formula come from?
While many formula brands source their DHA from fish oil, LittleOak sources our DHA from sustainable algae sources, which is shown to be more sustainable, carries lower contamination risks and offers higher purity without the allergen risk or fishy taste of fish oil. We source our ARA locally in New Zealand from fungal sources.
Do the levels of DHA and ARA in formula make a difference?
Yes. LittleOak’s levels are scientifically proven to support healthy development—meeting the same standards set by the EU at 20-50mg of DHA per 100kcal, and we’ve had it in our formulas from day one. In fact, we match our DHA and ARA levels to a research-backed ratio proven to support healthy cognitive development in babies. Our DHA is 60% higher, and our ARA is nearly double that of competitor brands.*
*Based on a comparison with eight leading formula brands.
Fun facts about DHA, ARA and the brain
-
The human brain is super fatty as an organ, up to 60% of its dry weight is made up of fat. DHA is particularly concentrated in the grey matter of the brain, where neurons communicate, and accounts for around 20% of the brain’s total fat content. The remaining 80% of fat is made up of other components, including, ARA, saturated fats, monosaturated fats and complex lipids.
-
Infant brains experience a rapid growth spurt, reaching half their adult size within 3 months of birth. While the brain certainly continues to develop through early adulthood, physically the brain has reached 90% of adult size by age 5.
