DHA-AA
DHA
Docosahexaenoic acid (DHA) is an essential long chain fatty acid present in breast milk and important for the normal development of the baby. It occurs naturally in breast milk. Independent studies have shown that these specific fatty acids influence the development of the immune system. They are also linked to the development of eye sight and correlated systems. Some studies also suggest these fatty acids can help prevent cancer, ADHD, Alzheimer’s and dementia. Ongoing research is being performed to establish other beneficial effect of these fatty acids. This is why Vitalon® adds these specific fatty acids in a specially protected form to preserve their functionality (encapsulated –the fats are encapsulated to protect their structure. These typical fatty acids are very vulnerable to oxidation and lose their properties significantly unless encapsulated like the fatty acids in Vitalon®). Especially for infants under 6 months, who are exclusively dependent on formula or breast milk, it is important to get these components in the formula as this is their only source of nutrition. Also in later stages Vitalon® adds these fatty acids to help achieve an appropriate intake.
AA
Arachidonic acid (AA) is an essential fatty acid that naturally occurs in breast milk. A(R)A contributes to the normal development of the immune system and the brain. For these reasons Vitalon® has chosen to add carefully considered amounts of these A(R)A fatty acids to its formula in the same way as DHA. They are added in special form to preserve its beneficial properties. Researcher at the University of Kansas have claimed a correlation between cognitive development (intelligence) and A(R)A intake in infants