What is DHA?
DHA (docosahexaenoic acid) is an omega-3 long chain polyunsaturated fatty acid that is an important building block of human brain tissue.

Where is DHA found?
DHA is found naturally in breast milk, egg yolks, sardines, bluefish, halibut, herring and fatty fish such as tuna and salmon. As research continues to document the benefits of DHA, a number of products enhanced with the nutrient have become available including eggs and egg products, infant formulas and most recently, baby food. Supplements with naturally occurring DHA available on the market include that derived from algae and fish oil.

Why is DHA important?
DHA is a building block of human brain tissue and the primary structural fatty acid in the gray matter of the brain. It is important for signal transmission in the brain, eye and nervous system. It is also found in high levels in the retina, cardiac muscle and certain reproductive tissues. Ongoing clinical research suggests that DHA plays an important role in the visual and mental development of infants.

What role does DHA play in infant nutrition and development?
According to researchers in the field, DHA is critical for the development of a baby's mental and visual development. DHA accumulates in the brain over the first two years of life.

An infant's best source of nutrition is breast milk, which contains fatty acids, proteins, micronutrients and antibodies that boost an infant's immune system to help fight against infections, allergies and asthma. The American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP) suggests breastfeeding for a minimum of 12 months and the use of iron-fortified infant formula for infants weaned before 12 months. Iron-enriched solid foods to complement the breast- milk diet should be gradually introduced beginning at six months.

Initial studies funded by the National Institutes of Health indicate that the addition of DHA to infant formula boosted the average intelligence scores of a group of 18-month-old children significantly. The Food and Agriculture Organization and The World Health Organization (WHO) Joint Expert Committee recommends that all infant formulas include DHA at levels found in human milk. A post-formula infant diet rich in DHA may be helpful for maintaining a child's path to better nutrition and optimal development.

 Is DHA safe?
95% of infant formulas in the US sold are now enhanced with DHA. DHA is a naturally occurring substance found in the most elementary source of nutrition: breast milk. Foods enhanced with DHA have no known side effects. Beech-Nut® uses an all-natural vegetable source of DHA.

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