Understanding DHA and ARA: Why these nutrients matter for your baby

Written by Leena Tabaja. Customer Service Coordinator & proud mom of two.

During the earliest months of life, a baby’s brain, eyes, and body are growing at an extraordinary pace. Nutrition plays a critical role in supporting this rapid growth. Among the nutrients known to play a key role in this development are DHA (docosahexaenoic acid) and ARA (arachidonic acid) - two fatty acids naturally present in breast milk that support healthy development during infancy.

Because of their importance in early child development, infant formulas are often fortified with these nutrients. Understanding what DHA and ARA are, and why they matter, can help parents make informed choices about their baby’s nutrition.

What are DHA and ARA?

DHA and ARA are long-chain polyunsaturated fatty acids that support structural and functional roles in the body.

• DHA is an omega-3 fatty acid that plays a critical role in the development of the brain and eyes, particularly the photosensitive retinal region.
• ARA is an omega-6 fatty acid found throughout the body and is particularly important for tissue growth, immune response and overall development.

Both fatty acids are incorporated into cell membranes, where they help support normal cellular function and communication. During infancy, when the brain and nervous system are rapidly forming new connections, DHA and ARA are often required in equal ratios as they play complementary roles.

While the body has the ability to produce small amounts of DHA and ARA from other fatty acids, this conversion is limited in both adults and infants; it does not meet our complete recommended needs. DHA and ARA are both considered essential nutrients, meaning dietary intake is required to support periods of rapid growth and development during infancy.

Why are DHA and ARA important for babies?

Early life is a period of remarkable development where DHA and ARA help support several critical systems in a baby’s body.

Brain development
DHA is a major contributing nutrient to the developing nervous system. Adequate DHA intake during infancy supports the optimal growth of neural tissue and cognitive function.

Visual development
DHA is also highly concentrated in the retina, the light-sensitive layer of the eye. It contributes to early visual development during the first months of life.

Growth and immune support
ARA plays a role in cellular growth and supports signaling pathways involved in immune responses. It is an important component of many tissues throughout the body, including in the brain and nervous system, where it contributes to normal development and cellular communication.

Together, DHA and ARA work in balance to support healthy development during infancy.

Why are DHA and ARA included in infant formula?

DHA and ARA occur naturally in breast milk, which is considered the nutritional gold standard for infants. Their levels can vary depending on the mother’s diet and nutritional status, but they are consistently present and contribute to infant growth and development.

Because of their natural presence in breast milk, infant formulas have been optimized to include DHA and ARA to better align with the nutritional composition of breast milk. This is helpful for formula fed infants as it provides these important fatty acids when breastfeeding is not possible. Including these nutrients ensures that formula fed babies receive key components known to support early development.

What makes Niuriss Smart different?

You may have noticed a new addition to our product line: Niuriss Smart. This novel formula was developed to compliment our existing products and aims to further support infant development. 

Among the changes introduced for the new formula line, Niuriss Smart, particular attention was given to DHA and ARA. These fatty acids are now included at levels carefully designed to align more closely with those naturally found in breast milk, supporting healthy brain, eye, and overall development. Alongside these adjustments, Niuriss Smart also incorporates other nutrients to better meet the needs of growing infants, making it a thoughtful choice for parents seeking comprehensive nutrition.

Trusted Sources for Essential Fatty Acids

DHA and ARA used in infant nutrition are often derived from carefully cultivated microbial sources, allowing for controlled production and high purity. In Niuriss Smart, DHA is derived from the microalgae Schizochytrium sp., while ARA is sourced from the fungus Mortierella alpina. These well-established sources are widely used in infant nutrition to provide these essential fatty acids. 

By incorporating DHA and ARA as part of the formula’s nutritional profile, Niuriss Smart supports key developmental needs during early life.

Supporting your baby’s nutritional needs

Every baby’s feeding journey is unique. Some families exclusively breastfeed, while others rely on formula or a combination of both. What matters most is ensuring babies receive balanced nutrition that supports healthy growth and development.

DHA and ARA are two important nutrients that contribute to this process, particularly during the earliest stages of life when the brain, eyes, and immune system are rapidly developing.

If you have questions about your baby’s nutrition or feeding routine, speaking with your pediatrician or healthcare professional can help guide decisions that are best suited to your baby’s needs.

References: 

Mitmesser SH, Jensen CL. Roles of long-chain polyunsaturated fatty acids in the term infant: developmental benefits. Neonatal Netw. 2007 Jul-Aug;26(4):229-34. doi: 10.1891/0730-0832.26.4.229. PMID: 17710956.

Lien EL, Richard C, Hoffman DR. DHA and ARA addition to infant formula: Current status and future research directions. Prostaglandins Leukot Essent Fatty Acids. 2018 Jan;128:26-40. doi: 10.1016/j.plefa.2017.09.005. Epub 2017 Sep 15. PMID: 29413359.

Hoffman DR, Boettcher JA, Diersen-Schade DA. Toward optimizing vision and cognition in term infants by dietary docosahexaenoic and arachidonic acid supplementation: a review of randomized controlled trials. Prostaglandins Leukot Essent Fatty Acids. 2009 Aug-Sep;81(2-3):151-8. doi: 10.1016/j.plefa.2009.05.003. Epub 2009 Jun 7. PMID: 19505812.

Birch EE, Garfield S, Castañeda Y, Hughbanks-Wheaton D, Uauy R, Hoffman D. Visual acuity and cognitive outcomes at 4 years of age in a double-blind, randomized trial of long-chain polyunsaturated fatty acid-supplemented infant formula. Early Hum Dev. 2007 May;83(5):279-84. doi: 10.1016/j.earlhumdev.2006.11.003. Epub 2007 Jan 18. PMID: 17240089.

    Leena Tabaja 
     Customer Service Coordinator
     & proud mom of two