Comments on: Are DHA and ARA in Infant Formulas Safe?

By: Eric Herbert

Eric Herbert — Sat, 26 Dec 2009 04:46:57 +0000

This is a great discussion and I appreciate all the information. As the father of a 6 week old, I am looking for a formula to supplement my wife’s breastfeeding. Does anyone have a recommendation of a non-DHA/ARA containing formula?

By: mike pescatore

mike pescatore — Wed, 23 Dec 2009 15:37:51 +0000

Monica,feel free to contact me for more information.Did you know that currently DHA/ARA supplementation can not be determined as beneficial to brain and eye development improvements by experts whom have evaluated them?The only evidence of benefit comes from researchers paid by the manufacturers of DHA/ARA infant fomulas.I am waiting for a new study that will confirm results that were reported at Birch et al.
I want to know why I fed my son a formula that contains carrageenan when experts can not determine whether or not it could become carcinogenic.I have been contacting the government agencies responsible for safety.They are unwilling to respond to my concerns.
From all of my research I can honestly say this.The components of today’s infant formulas have not been been determined as 100% safe.Differently esterified fatty acids,carrageenan,and oxidative instability all potentially contribute to digestive and cognive disorders that are increasing in prevelance among our children today.When someone such as myself exposes these safety issues to those whom are paid to protect us,and my concerns are ignored,our children are the ones who ultimately suffer.

By: Monica

Monica — Tue, 08 Dec 2009 05:25:13 +0000

@ Mike – WOW! Thanks for your additional info. I’ll check out your site as well. Thanks for stopping by.

By: mike pescatore

mike pescatore — Wed, 25 Nov 2009 14:33:00 +0000

I wouldn’t get so hung up on the hexane proccessing.That is the least of your concerns with dhasco/arasco.They are structurally different from dha/ara found in breast milk and other natural sources.As a triglyceride,they are esterified much differently.If you were to reconfigure H2O to HO2 would it still be safe to drink?When dealing with lipids,esterification determines how the body will utilize the triglyceride.Let me save you some time.The manufacturers do not know how DHASCO/ARASCO will effect the health of your infant.I know this because I have asked them.If they do,they are not talking.
I bet you didn’t know that some infant formulas contain carrageenan.It is used as an emulsifier and thickener.The European Society For Gastroenterology,Hepatology And Nutrition had an expert panel (IEG) evaluate carrageenan as a component of infant formula.They stated,”The IEG noted given the lack of adequate information on possible absorption of carrageenan by the immature gut in the young infants and its biological effects in infancy,it appears INADVISABLE to use carrageenan in infant formulae intended for feeding young infants,including those in the category of foods for special medical purposes.”What they do not tell you is the degradation of carrageenan yields poligeenan(known carcinogen).They also noted that carrageenan produced inflammation in the intestines of animals.Here is one unsafe ingredient that may account for the adverse side effects experienced by infants.It is not the only one.
DHASCO/ARASCO are long chain polyunsaturated fatty acids.Because of their multiple double bonds,they are very vulnerable to oxidation(spoilage).The one thing that you would not want to add to these oils are metals.When DHASCO/ARASCO are manufactured there is specific step taken to remove trace amounts of metals by clay.This ensures stability from oxidation and improves shelf life.Then these oils are shipped to infant formula companies who then add ferrous sulfate(iron supplement added at 12x levels found in breast milk).Why bother removing trace amounts of metals in the first place?
What happens to DHASCO/ARASCO when they peroxidize?They may become neurotoxic breakdown components.F-4,F-2 neuro- and iso-prostanes respectively.Where would you find elevated levels of these neurotoxic components?In patients suffering from neurodegenerative diseases such as Alzheimers,Parkinson’s,ALS,etc.
I could explain the havoc these oils could produce on lipid rafts and protein signaling involved in infant neurodevelopment.That would take some time.Let me tell you this.Hexane proccessing is the least of your concerns with DHASCO/ARASCO supplemented infant formulas.

By: Lisa Survillas

Lisa Survillas — Mon, 24 Nov 2008 02:38:24 +0000

I think adding DHA is a great idea…however I wouldn’t want additional Omega 6′s added to my child’s diet. Omega 6′s are something that we get too much of in our diet as it is. Omega 3′s are the things most people are defficient in and are good for brain developement and because of that I would think they are a good idea. However, I only used breast milk with my two children. But I do buy organic milk that has DHA added.