A recent survey of new mothers found that although 93 percent of new moms have heard of DHA and correctly identified it as a nutrient, they are not familiar with all of the benefits, recommended levels of DHA for their infants or how to increase these levels. Approximately 97 percent of new moms do not know the daily recommended level of DHA for infants, and 58 percent of formula-feeding moms incorrectly think that giving their baby a formula enriched with iron will help increase levels.
Results from the study have been released in conjunction with the launch of Ultra Bright Beginnings Infant Formula, which offers a high level of DHA: 19 mg per 100 Calories.
DHA and ARA are nutrients naturally found in breast milk that are essential for babies' mental and visual development. Developing infants cannot efficiently produce their own DHA and ARA and must rely on these fatty acids through breast milk or supplemented formula.
What is DHA?
Docosahexaenoic acid (DHA) is an omega-3 fatty acid that is a primary structural component of the human brain, cerebral cortex, skin, and retina. It can be synthesized from alpha-linolenic acid or obtained directly from maternal milk (breast milk), fish oil, or algae oil.
"We know from our research that many American women are unclear about the benefits of DHA and what they can do to help increase DHA levels in their infants," said Bright Beginnings CEO Paul Manning. "Bright Beginnings is committed to ensuring that new parents are correctly informed about these essential nutrients and helping parents provide the optimal DHA levels for their infants."
The study uncovered a number of myths and misconceptions about DHA and how to increase it in an infant's diet. 28.2 percent of formula-feeding moms incorrectly think that feeding their baby more often will sustain high levels of DHA in their infants. 48 percent of breastfeeding moms mistakenly believe they can increase their levels of DHA by eating more fruits and vegetables. 7.3 percent of new moms incorrectly think that DHA is a calorie burner for their infant. 32.4 percent of new moms incorrectly think that DHA will help with digestion for their infant.
Only 35.7 percent of formula-feeding moms correctly identified feeding their infant a formula high in omega-3 fatty acids as a way to increase DHA levels. Additionally, when asked about daily recommended levels for their infants, only 3.4 percent of respondents correctly identified 18 mg or more a day. And, 80.7 percent of formula-feeding moms did not know the level of DHA that is currently in their infant formula.
"It's imperative that new moms are educated about the importance of DHA, and the results of this survey further support this need," said Dr. Barbara Levine of Cornell University. "All moms want what's best for their babies. Luckily, they have Bright Beginnings as a resource to help provide them with enough information to make the best decisions for their baby's nutritional needs."
In a study funded by the National Institutes of Health comparing lipid-enriched formula to non-supplemented formula, DHA- and ARA-enriched formula fed to infants during the first four months of life was shown to significantly improve IQ scores at the age of 18 months.
Ultra Bright Beginnings comes in a powder form and is sold in a 31.7 ounce can.