DSM global, a science-based company active in health and nutrition, has announced positive clinical trial results for its DHA supplementation during pregnancy and infancy.
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A vegetarian and sustainable source was used in DHA, a polyunsaturated omega-3 fatty acid found throughout the body, in the human studies.
The DHA is a major structural fat in the brain and retina, accounting for up to 97% of the omega-3 fats in the brain and up to 93% of the omega-3 fats in the retina.
The research concluded that prenatal algal DHA supplementation of 600mg of DHA from 14 weeks gestation until delivery increased DHA blood levels in both the mother and newborn, as well as infant birth weight, length and head circumference.
Additionally, results presented from a study conducted at the Department of Paediatrics, Child and Family Research Institute, University of British Columbia, suggested that DHA deficiency during pregnancy may limit infants’ development potential.
Dr John Colombo presented data from the DHA Intake and Measurement of Neural Development clinical trial, which investigated whether DHA and ARA supplemented infant formula affects children’s cognitive performance from 18 months to six years of age.
Results from the study indicated that DHA and ARA supplementation provided developmental benefits evident to six years of age.