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Breastfeeding Is Best, |
| Experts
agree that the best option for your baby is breastfeeding. However, there are
many people who can't or choose not to breastfeed for a variety of reasons. If
you are going to feed your baby formula we recommend using a formula that includes
the essential fatty acids ARA (arachidonic acid) and DHA (docosahexaenoic acid).
Recent studies have shown that both infant mental development and visual acuity
are improved in infants that drink formula with ARA and DHA. Studies that showed
only a minimal impact from these essential fatty acids used different methodologies
and lower amounts of ARA and DHA than studies that showed the positive impact
of adding these fatty acids. In addition, a recent study has shown that mothers
that ate higher levels of DHA during pregnancy had babies that slept better in
their first year of life. These
essential fatty have been added to infant formulas in over sixty other countries.
An infant is not able to produce sufficient quantities of these fatty acids. However,
only recently have these nutrients been approved for use in the United States.
No studies have shown any negative effects of adding ARA and DHA to formula. The two largest manufacturers of
infant formula in the US- Ross Products (producer of Similac) and Mead Johnson
(producer of Enfamil) both now offer formulas supplemented with ARA and DHA. Talk
to your pediatrician before making any formula switch, then look for these new
formulas marketed as "Enfamil Lipil" and "Similac Advance". |
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