DHA and AA are beneficial ingredients
"DHA and AA (also often referred to as ARA) are long-chain unsaturated fatty acids, which are high in the cell membranes of cerebral cortical cells and retinal cells," explains Zhu Peng, a Ph.D. in dairy medicine at Rennes Agricultural College in France. Many studies have shown that infants who consume DHA and AA-added milk powder can achieve higher scores in the “solving problem test”, the baby's visual acuity is also improved, and the baby's blood fatty acid composition is closer to breastfeeding. Baby. "DHA, ARA, etc. have certain benefits for the health of infants and young children, and they have obtained some scientific research support and relevant experimental data." Nan Qingxian said. Probiotics, probiotics, etc., which are beneficial to the development of infantile intestinal flora, are also such beneficial ingredients, although they are more or less exaggerated by the merchants in the promotion of their own products, but for the health of the baby. Said to be safe and reliable.
Breast milk contains DHA and AA
“Our body itself can use linolenic acid and alpha linolenic acid to synthesize DHA and AA, and the raw materials for their synthesis are also present in all infant formula. However, this synthetic function of infants is relatively low, so they need to consume them extra. Zhu Peng wrote that breast milk already contains these two substances, and 10%-20% of them are in the form of phospholipids, which are easier to absorb.
The history of adding DHA to infant formula can be traced back to 1996. Zhu Peng said that many institutions (British Nutrition Foundation, WHO, FAO, International Society for Research in Fatty Acids and Lipids) have suggested that DHA and AA should be added to infant formula. At present, many domestic milk powders have also added these two substances. For children and adults who can eat regular foods, DHA and AA are completely available from food. Egg yolks, deep-sea fish and seaweed are usually rich in DHA and AA, so don't worry if you have a proper diet. Nan Qingxian said, but for babies who cannot synthesize DHA and AA themselves, it is necessary to add special DHA in infant formula.
DHA and AA are not added as much as possible
“Although the addition of DHA, AA, etc. to infant formula is a result of long-term scientific research and clinical trials, it is beneficial for infants and young children. But it does not mean that the more the baby is added, the better.” Nan Qingxian said, “ In addition to excessive intake of DHA and AA will increase the baby's digestive burden, too much DHA will lead to reduced immune response and inflammatory response in infants, more susceptible to pathogen invasion, and difficult coagulation and other adverse consequences." Zhu Peng said. "China's new national standard was officially implemented on April 1, 2011. At present, the Chinese national standard for DHA and AA is: for infant formula, DHA and AA are optional ingredients, the maximum addition amount does not exceed the total fatty acid respectively. 0.5% and 1% of the content, and if DHA is added, at least an equal amount of AA must be added."
Infant milk powder is close to breast milk as the research principle
Infant milk powder is based on the principle of research and development. Zhu Peng believes that the cost of production process improvement and product quality control is the key to ensuring that infant milk powder meets the “mother emulsification” standard. “The new study will continue to improve the ingredients in breast milk. For example, new clinical studies have found that formulas with galactooligosaccharides are added. After drinking, the total number of intestinal colonies is similar to that of breastfed children. Based on the general nutritional standards, new ingredients are allowed to be added."