Yes, infants can synthesize some DHA and ARA from precursor fatty acids.
However, preterm babies have a great deal of difficulty doing this and term
infants demonstrate a falling level of DHA and ARA over time. This is why the
brain of a formula-fed infant is chemically different from the brain of a
baby fed breast milk. The formula-fed baby's brain must substitute other
fatty acids for the LCPUFA that it cannot obtain. When DHA and ARA are added
to infant formula there is no way to be assured that the infant brain will
incorporate these "foreign" fatty acids as it would natural fatty acids. The
formula companies want to make sure that parents know that this synthesis can
take place with their old brand of formula so they cover all the bases. "Use
the new formula so your baby is smarter, but if you cannot afford it don't
worry, your baby will somehow make these expensive fatty acids from the
ingredients in our standard formulas."

One of my many concerns comes from the large number of babies who were
eliminated from the research studies on these formulas. Why did so many drop
out? Was it because they could not tolerate the study formula? Did the
studies just keep the babies who could stomach the stuff? Where is the data
on the drop outs?

Where is the data on the side effects? NABA continues to receive reports from
all over the US about babies suffering side effects, mainly explosive
diarrhea from these new formulas. One newborn was so severely affected that
he was admitted into the NICU for dehydration. The FDA and the formula makers
should be flooded with reports and outrage at this money-making scheme.

Watch the formula makers pull their standard formulas off the market and have
only the DHA/ARA supplemented formulas available. There are other formulas
available that do not have these ingredients added to them. Some babies have
had to be switched to these because of the continued diarrhea. Parents are
being duped into thinking that these supplemented formulas offer some kind of
advantage to their baby. Why are some health care providers so willing to
believe formula salesmen's hype that flies in the face of evidence? Gifts
work!

Marsha Walker, RN, IBCLC
Weston, MA

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