DHA is the nickname for docosahexaenoic acid. We won't ask you to pronounce it! It's an essential fatty acid found in our diet. You may have never heard of this nutrient, yet it plays an essential role in baby's development. What is its purpose and why is it found in infant formula ?
What is DHA?
Babies need 3 to 4 times more fatty acids than adults, and among them, we'll give you a thousand names: DHA. Called DHA in French, it's an unsaturated fatty acid, which is part of 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 mainly found in meat and dairy products (butter, cheese, etc.).
- Monounsaturates, found in olives or avocados.
- Polyunsaturates, also called essential fatty acids or omega 3s. They are found in oily fish, dried fruits and certain vegetable oils.
Why is DHA important in the diet?
Fatty acids are essential to 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 is not synthesized by our bodies. It must be obtained from our diet.
Eating algae and certain oily fish provides DHA for adults. In infants, DHA must be present in their milk. Luckily, it's found in breast milk!
If your baby is feeding on infant formula, don't panic... It's also an essential component of it [1]. As your baby grows up, when it's time to start weaning, they will still need DHA in their diet, particularly through the consumption of oily fish.
What is DHA used for in babies?
DHA plays a role in your baby's brain and nerve development. It ensures membrane fluidity and blood vessel elasticity, 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 it contains come from DHA. It is therefore one of the basic constituents of the cell membranes of the retina and neurons.
Finally, from pregnancy, DHA will play a role in the development of the fetus, DHA which comes from the mother's diet.
And you, what do you know about DHA?
Come tell us your story or ask your questions by email at contact@biostime.fr or by DM on Instagram @biostimefr. The term docosahexaenoic acid will no longer hold any secrets for you!
Sources:
https://www.consoglobe.com/dha-cg
https://www.goodgout.fr/coin-parents/le-dha-kesako-268.html
[1] In accordance with current regulations
