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DHA improves infant IQ?
A recent article in The Lancet (1998) reported the ground-breaking news that infants given a DHA-enriched formula had a superior problem-solving ability at 10 months. An infant's brain grows rapidly, and since the brain is about 60% fat, foods rich in essential fatty acids might give babies an
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advantage intellectually. Researchers at the University of Dundee in Scotland reported that infants fed DHA-enhanced formula were more able to solve a more complex mental challenge than were those on standard formula. Since higher problem-solving scores in infancy are related to higher childhood IQs, this study suggests that the simple addition of crucial fats to infant formulas could improve IQs in thousands of children.
DHA is not new. It is the most abundant fatty acid in human breast milk - proving again that nature has planned things well! But, in avoiding "bad" saturated fats, we have lost the beneficial components of fat such as DHA, for we get most of our DHA from eggs, red meats , fish, and organ meats like liver. Add to that our highly refined diets, and you may understand why the level of DHA in American women's breast milk is one of the lowest in the world, a cause for concern.
Everyone needs DHA. Pregnant women need it for their developing babies; nursing moms too. Infants need it for their growing brains. Cells in the brain, retina and nervous system of children and adults need DHA to ensure optimal transmission of electrical signals throughout the body.
Evidence that adequate DHA brings positive results is an exciting window on studies that are sure to follow, especially if there is potential to increase infant intelligence, and to help maintain adults alike. Ask for more information on DHA when you are in the store.
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