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quizzes experts
If you've chosen to bottlefeed, you'll want to choose
the best formula for your child--a regular formula or perhaps soy
or a hydrolysate variety. Learn what to look for and how to prepare
and use it safely.
experts
Can
we to switch to a formula that doesn't have DHA/ARA?
Q: My newborn
twins are very gassy. Our doctor recommends switching to the Nutramigen
formula from Enfamil. I'm hesitant because the Enfamil has the DHA/ARA
added and the Nutramigen does not. Should we go ahead and switch or
ride it out?
A: It could be worth switching to see if it helps. You should see
an improvement within about three days if it will help at all. They
will miss out on the DHA and ARA for a bit, but you could try switching
back in just a few weeks, after the peak of gas is over.
There was a study
published in March 2002 that looked at kids who did not get a DHA/ARA
supplement for the first six weeks; then half got Lipil and the other
half did not. The half who did had consistently better eyesight throughout
the first year.
The body can
make some DHA and ARA, but not the amounts normally found in breast
milk. DHA and ARA are naturally found in breast milk, but they only
recently were added to formulas in the U.S., although they have been
used around the world for over five years.
The difference
in intelligence in kids who get it throughout the first year is measurable
(7 points on a 100-point scale of mental development), but the difference
in getting three weeks off would probably not be measurable.
I hope that DHA
and ARA will soon be available in all formulas. DHA is a type of omega-3
fatty acid. It is heart healthy and brain healthy throughout life.
It is also found in seafood and eggs. One serving of salmon a week
would take care of your (adult) needs, but it would not be expected
to increase intelligence in adults. It's used to build brains and
the most important time for that is early in life.
Your
should know:
The
information on this Web site is designed for educational purposes
only. It is not intended to be a substitute for informed medical
advice or care. You should not use this information to diagnose
or treat any health problems or illnesses without consulting your
pediatrician or family doctor. Please consult a doctor with any
questions or concerns you might have regarding your or your child's
condition.
Rebornne Baby. American Baby
