What are DHA and ARA?
DHA is the scientific shorthand for docosahexaenoic acid, an abundant fat in the eye and the brain. Over the years, medical researchers have recognized the importance of this nutrient and its potential to positively influence brain function, as well as vision development. ARA, or arachidonic acid, is a fatty acid found in cells throughout the body, including the brain and retina. It has long been recognized to play a key role in nutrition, supporting the growth of organs and tissues. Together with DHA, it is important for brain, neural, and eye development in infants.
DHA (docosahexaenoic acid), an omega-3 fatty acid, is found in tissue throughout the body. It is the most abundant fatty acid in the gray matter of the brain and the retina of the eye, and is a key component of heart tissue. DHA is important for proper brain and eye development in infants and has been shown to support cardiovascular health in adults. ARA (arachidonic acid), an omega-6 fatty acid, is the principal omega-6 in the brain and is abundant in other cells throughout the body. ARA is equally important for proper brain development in infants and is a precursor to a group of hormone-like substances called eicosanoids (e.g. prostanoids, leukotrienes and thromboxanes). Eicosanoids are important in immunity, blood clotting and other vital functions in the body. Humans obtain ARA by eating common foods such as meat, eggs and milk, whereas DHA is found in a limited selection of foods such as fatty fish and organ meat. Both fatty acids occur naturally in breast milk and have proven hea
DHA is the scientific shorthand for docosahexaenoic acid. ARA stands for arachidonic acid. Both of these fatty acids are building blocks for your baby’s brain and eyes. Only Enfamil has LIPIL, our blend of DHA and ARA, important nutrients also found in breast milk that promote brain and eye development.
DHA and ARA are fatty acids found in breast milk that are important for brain and eye development. The brain contains a large amount of both DHA and ARA, and the retina contains a large amount of DHA. Other unique benefits you should know about. Similac Advance provides greater calcium absorption and bone density than the other leading brand to help build strong bones. Like all Similac Infant Formulas, Similac Advance does not contain palm olein oil. This is important, because studies have shown that: Babies fed a formula with palm olein oil as the predominant fat source absorbed less calcium than the same babies fed a formula with no palm olein oil. Babies fed a formula with palm olein oil as the predominant fat source had lower bone mineral content than babies fed a formula without palm olein oil. Babies fed a formula without palm olein oil had bone mineral content comparable to that of breast fed babies at 4 weeks and 12 weeks of age. As always, check with your doctor when making de
