DHA is short for docosahexaenoic acid. We won't ask you to pronounce it! It's an essential fatty acid found in our diet. You may never have heard of this nutrient, yet it plays a vital role in a baby's development. What is its purpose, and why is it found in infant formula ?
What is DHA?
Babies need three to four times more fatty acids than adults, and among them, you guessed it: DHA. Called ADH in French, it's an unsaturated fatty acid belonging to the omega-3 family. There are three types of fatty acids (also called lipids):
Saturated fats should be consumed in moderation! They should not exceed 30% of our daily fat intake. They are found mainly in meat and dairy products (butter, cheese, etc.).
- Monounsaturated fats, which are found in olives or avocados.
- Polyunsaturated fats, also called essential fatty acids or omega-3s. They are found in oily fish, dried fruit or certain vegetable oils.
Why is DHA important in the diet?
Fatty acids are essential for the diet of both adults and infants. Along with carbohydrates and proteins, they constitute one of the three nutrient groups in our diet. DHA is a polyunsaturated fatty acid that our bodies cannot synthesize; it must be obtained through our diet.
Consuming seaweed and certain oily fish provides DHA for adults. For infants, DHA must be present in their milk. Luckily, breast milk contains it!
If your baby is formula-fed, don't panic… DHA is also an essential component of formula [1]. As they grow, when the time comes to introduce solid foods, your baby will still need DHA in their diet, particularly through the consumption of oily fish.
What is the purpose of DHA in babies?
DHA plays a role in your baby's brain and nerve development. It ensures the fluidity of membranes and the elasticity of blood vessels, regulates blood pressure, and helps transmit nerve impulses.
It is also essential for the proper functioning of the eyes and brain: almost all of the omega-3s contained in the brain come from DHA. It is therefore one of the basic components of the cell membranes of the retina and neurons.
Finally, from pregnancy onwards, DHA will play a role in the development of the fetus, DHA which comes from the mother's diet.
And what do you know about DHA?
Share your experience with us or ask your questions by email at contact@biostime.fr or by DM on Instagram @biostimefr. The term docosahexaenoic acid will no longer be a mystery to you!
Sources:
https://www.consoglobe.com/dha-cg
https://www.biostime-nosmarques.com/pages/le-blog-des-parents
[1] In accordance with current regulations
