The Importance of DHA and ARA
The Lipids DHA and ARA are
Long-chain, Polyunsaturated Fatty Acids
DHA (docosahexaenoic acid) and ARA (arachidonic acid) are fatty acids, or lipids,
found in mother's milk associated with infant brain and eye development. DHA and
ARA are an essential part of a healthy diet; these lipids are also important building blocks in the infant central nervous system and retina
and are felt by many experts to be essential in infancy.
Omega-3 Fatty Acids: Docosahexaenoic Acid
DHA is an omega-3 fatty acid found in tissues throughout the body. DHA is a structural
and functional element of all membranes in the gray matter of the brain and the
retina of the eye and is also an important part of the heart. Numerous studies prove
that people of all ages, from infancy to adulthood, benefit from an adequate supply
of DHA.
Omega-6 Fatty Acids: Arachidonic Acid
ARA is an omega-6 fatty acid found in the brain and in other cells throughout the
body. ARA is important for proper brain development in infants and is a precursor
to a group of hormone-like substances that are crucial to immunity, blood clotting,
and other essential bodily functions.
Scientific Studies and the Inclusion of DHA and ARA in Infant Formula
Interest in DHA and ARA has increased following several scientific studies showing
that infants fed infant formula containing DHA and ARA gained intellectual and visual
benefits not found in infants who were fed standard formulas. Recent research has
also demonstrated the benefits of DHA and ARA may extend beyond advantages
in infant mental
and visual development.
The DHA and ARA in Member's Mark infant formulas are derived from natural vegetarian
sources.