When you’re choosing the best formula for your baby, there are many factors to consider. One key nutrient that has gained a lot of attention in recent years is DHA (Docosahexaenoic Acid). But what exactly is DHA, and why is it so important in baby formula?
DHA is an omega-3 fatty acid that plays a crucial role in brain development, vision, and overall growth in infants. It is naturally found in breast milk, but for mothers who are unable to breastfeed, DHA is often added to baby formula as a supplement to help support the baby’s development.
Why is DHA Important for Babies?
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Brain Development: DHA is essential for the healthy development of a baby’s brain. Studies show that babies who receive adequate DHA tend to have better cognitive function and developmental milestones.
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Eye Health: DHA is also a key component of the retina, which is responsible for vision. Proper DHA intake can contribute to healthier vision and may help prevent certain eye issues in the future.
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Overall Growth: DHA supports many areas of growth, from the nervous system to the immune system, making it essential for a baby’s overall health and development.
How is DHA Added to Baby Formula?
Most modern baby formulas contain DHA as part of their ingredients. It is usually derived from algae or fish oil, and the amount is carefully controlled to meet the nutritional needs of infants. Always look for formulas labeled with “DHA” on the packaging to ensure your baby is getting this important nutrient.
Should You Choose a Formula with DHA?
If you’re formula-feeding, choosing a formula that contains DHA is a good idea. While breast milk is the best source of DHA, many babies who are fed formula can still thrive with DHA-enriched options. It’s always best to consult with your pediatrician before making decisions about your baby’s diet, but DHA can be an excellent addition to support their growth and development.
DHA plays a vital role in your baby’s early development, especially when it comes to brain and eye health. While breast milk is the natural source, DHA is now commonly added to baby formulas to provide your little one with the nutrients they need for optimal growth. By choosing a DHA-enriched formula, you can give your baby a head start on their developmental journey.
If you are looking for an infant formula that includes DHA? Bobbie is the only U.S.-based formula brand to meet European standards for DHA, including 20mg of water-extracted algal DHA per 100kcal, 5 ounce serving.
Why does this matter? Leading experts recommend that infants under 24 months receive a minimum of 100mg of DHA per day to support healthy brain growth. The AAP recommends infants take in 24-32 ounces of formula or breastmilk each day, and as such, formulas must include at least 20mg DHA per serving to hit the 100mg daily DHA benchmark for all babies, no matter how much (or how little!) an exclusively formula-fed infant eats.
Any formula that includes less than 20mg DHA per 5oz serving (aka every other U.S.-based formula!) does not provide enough DHA to meet the daily recommended benchmark unless infants consume 30, 40, even 50 fluid ounces of formula each day– which is at the top end, and in some cases significantly over, the AAP’s daily volume recommendations.
Bobbie Organic and Bobbie Organic Gentle infant formulas provide DHA at the expert recommended level so that every baby receives this crucial fatty acid in sufficient amounts, even if they’re a variable eater day-to-day.
With these levels of DHA, an organic plant-based fat blend full of essential omega fatty acids, and choline, Bobbie is proud to help build the brains of infants nationwide.
