What are essential and non-essential fatty acids?
There are two basic groupings of fatty acids called (1) essential fatty acids or “precursor fats” (as found in Baby’s Only Organic® Toddler formulas) and (2) non-essential fatty acids which can also be “preformed fats” (as found in Baby’s Only Essentials® DHA and ARA Fatty Acid Supplement*). Baby’s Only Organic® Toddler formulas contain two essential (precursor) fats: Alpha-Linolenic Acid (ALA) and Linoleic Acid (LA). Alpha-Linolenic and Linoleic fatty acids are called “essential” because the human body cannot make these fats and therefore it is essential to derive them from food sources. Alpha-Linolenic Acid is an omega-3 used by the body to make Docosahexaenoic Acid (DHA). Linoleic Acid is an omega-6 used by the body to make Arachidonic Acid (ARA). DHA and ARA are called “non-essential” fatty acids because infants, children, and adults can manufacture these from Alpha-Linolenic and Linoleic fatty acids. Baby’s Only Essentials® DHA and ARA Fatty Acid Supplement is made with preformed
