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DHA is the acronym for decosahexanoic acid, an essential omega-3 fat that is crucial for vision and brain development in babies.
The DHA used in HAPPYFAMILY Brands products is made from algae. Fish get their high levels of DHA from eating algae, and fish and algae derived DHA are the richest sources of DHA. It's a vegetarian source, so it's appropriate for all babies. And please note: Hexane is not used in the production of the DHA used in HAPPYFAMILY products.
Following are the answers to many questions HAPPYBABY frequently fields regarding DHA and its benefit to your baby:
Q: What is DHA?
A: Docosahexaenoic acid (DHA) is an omega-3 essential fatty acid. DHA is a main structural component of the brain and eyes. DHA occurs naturally in breast milk and is important for healthy visual and mental development throughout infancy.
Q: Where does HAPPYFAMILY's DHA come from?
A: We use life'sDHA™, a 100% vegetarian, sustainable and non-GMO source of DHA. This ingredient is derived from algae, one of the richest sources of DHA. HAPPYFAMILY products including DHA have received approval from Whole Foods Market's rigorous quality standards department, as well as organic certification from the USDA.
Q: Is hexane used in the development of this DHA?
A: No, hexane is not used in the development of the life'sDHA found in HAPPYFAMILY's products. It has never been present in any of HAPPYFAMILY's products.
Q: Why does HAPPYFAMILY use DHA?
A: Babies get DHA from breast milk or fortified infant formula, but once an infant begins eating solid foods, the intake of breast milk or infant formula will decrease. At that stage, additional dietary sources of DHA, like HAPPYFAMILY cereals and other food sources, should be introduced to properly support continued development.
DHA is found in fish (primarily salmon, sardines and tuna), algae and fortified foods like HAPPYFAMILY whole grain cereals. Other healthy omega-3 fats are found in canola oil, soybeans, walnuts, wheat germ, pumpkin seeds, eggs, ground flax seeds, flaxseed oil, and Salba.
Q: Is DHA safe?
A: Yes, medical studies conducted worldwide support the safety of DHA for infants, in addition to confirming the ingredient's cognitive, visual and other benefits. Martek Biosciences, maker of life'sDHA, provides this detailed research on the company's website.
Q: Is life'sDHA organic?
A: life'sDHA is considered a non-agricultural, accessory nutrient, and it is allowed in organic products by the USDA's National Organic Program.
Q: How much DHA should a baby receive?
A: There are no standard recommendations for intake of DHA, so we recommend speaking with your pediatrician to determine the best diet plan for your child's age, growth and development needs.
Q: What HAPPYFAMILY products include DHA?
A: HAPPYBELLIES™ is the only organic baby cereal line that includes DHA and probiotics. The cereal is available in three whole grain varieties:
- Organic Brown Rice
- Organic Multi-Grain
- Organic Oatmeal
Two varieties of HAPPYBABY fresh frozen meals also contain DHA: Baby Dhal + Mama Grain and Easy Going Greens + Grrreat Greens.
We would be happy to answer any additional questions you may have. Please contact us at
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* Medical research referenced above provided by Martek Biosciences Corporation, maker of life'sDHA.
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