DHA (docosahexaenoic acid) and ARA (arachidonic acid) are long-chain polyunsaturated fatty acids (LC-PUFAs) that play a crucial role in infant health and development.
Recent publications have recommended the addition of DHA and ARA to infant and follow-on formula during the first year of life.
DHA has been found to support brain and cognitive development, mental adaptability, and information processing, while ARA may play a role in supporting the development of a healthy immune system, bone formation, blood flow and blood vessel function.
Produced with DSM's algae-sourced life’sDHA and life’sARA oils these new powders contain a minimum of 110 mg DHA or ARA and boast a 'clean' label.
Ethan Leonard, Vice President for specialty early life nutrition for DSM Nutritional Products, says: “Research suggests that the intake of both DHA and ARA during infancy has positive effects on brain growth, cognitive and visual development, and immune function.
"Parents, including those who cannot, or choose not to breastfeed, should have access to safe and reliable infant nutrition products that contain these critical nutrients.
“We carefully formulated DHASCO-B and ARASCO powders to ensure compliance with evolving regulations worldwide and support manufacturers in creating high-quality infant formula products with DHA and ARA that help them to shape healthy futures for children everywhere.”
The powders have been designed for easy addition to dry-blending manufacturing processes and support production of products with a longer shelf life and greater stability.
Sustainable sourcing
A recent study by Colombo et al pointed out that DHA from fish origin might be in danger because of global warming. Scientists estimated that an increase in water temperature could impact the de novo synthesis of DHA in the algae at top of the food chain. This drop in DHA synthesis may result in a 10-58% loss of globally available DHA.
DSM's life’sDHA and ARA oils are sources from microalgae, rather than fish.
China-based global omega algal oils producer Novosana recently teamed up with Dutch plant-based health ingredients producer Lus Health Ingredients (LUS) to develop and distribute sustainable omega-3 products across Europe.
Novosana is working with LUS to launch a range of concepts throughout 2020, including vegan soft gels with 250mg DHA, Omega 3to1 DHA-to-EPA formulas as well as a vegan solution for cod liver supplements.