baby - birth / labour & delivery / DHA & ARA: nutrients naturally found in breast milk

DHA &ARA: nutrients naturally found in breast milk

DHA is docosahexaenoic acid - an omega-3 fatty acid. And ARA is arachidonic acid, which is an omega-6 fatty acid. Both are long-chain polyunsaturated fatty acids that are important building blocks of brain and eye tissue.

DHA and ARA (omega-3 and omega-6 fatty acids) are nutrients naturally found in breast milk, or made naturally by baby (and you) from two essential omega-3 and omega-6 fatty acids: alpha linolenic and linoleic acids. These essential fatty acids are also found in breast milk and are currently added to all infant formulas so that babies can make their own DHA and ARA.

Experts believe that DHA and ARA are essential for healthy brain and eye development. In fact, long-chain fatty acids like DHA and ARA accumulate in the brain and eye tissue of babies before birth - especially during the last trimester of pregnancy. For these reasons, in addition to the added alpha linolenic and linoleic acids that babies use to make their own DHA and ARA, some infant formulas are now enriched with pre-formed DHA and ARA.

Some studies have shown that infant formulas enhanced with DHA and ARA have positive effects on mental and visual development over the short term.
(1,2,3)  But other studies do not show any additional benefit compared to infant formulas without added DHA and ARA.(4,5) And long-term effects have not yet been reported. What this means is: DHA and ARA enriched infant formulas may be beneficial to infants' mental and visual development over the short term.

Important Notes

Nestlé® Good Start® with Omega-3 & Omega-6 is the only formula with DHA (Omega-3) & ARA (Omega-6) that is made with 100% whey protein and uses a unique patented process to partially break down the whey protein into smaller pieces making it easy to digest.*

If you choose to use infant formula, always consult with your baby's healthcare professional about the best choice.

If you have any other questions about Omega-3 and Omega-6 fatty acids, please contact your healthcare professional.

1. Birch, EE et al. Pediatr Res. 1998; 44:201-9.2. Birch, EE et al. Dev Med Child Neurol. 2000; 42:174-813. Uauy, R et al. J Pediatr. 2003; 143:S17-254. Auestad, N. et al. Pediatrics. 2001; 108:372-815. Auestad, N. et al. Pediatrics. 2003; 112:e177-83


*All infant formulas are designed to be easy to digest.
Print this page | E-mail this page



Thinking about the next stage

» expressing breast milk

» breast-feeding benefits

» choosing infant formula

» specialty formulas
You might be interested in this

» planning your baby’s nutrition

» after the big event

» preparing infant formula

» bringing home baby
Mommy Tools

» nestlebaby feeding guide

» growth chart boy

» babyfeedingchart
common myths

If you carry your baby around too much, he will always want to be in your arms.

Evidence shows just the opposite. Responding to your baby’s needs quickly leads to babies who are less fussy and easier to calm later on. It’s just the thing to help develop security and confidence later in life, too.... more


© 2008 Nestlé Canada