DHA and ARA Baby Formula May Reduce Food Allergies In Babies

Can vitamins cure food allergies?  

The benefits of DHA/ARA in infant formula are still being discovered years after its introduction as a supplement that mimics an amino acid in mother's breast milk.   While the use of DHA/ARA has become somewhat controversial in some circles, new evidence suggests that it may actually be helping babies overcome and outgrow food allergies to milk, egg, peanuts and other foods.

Some people believe that adding synthetic DHA/ARA may be doing more harm than good as babies are unable to digest the oil that the DHA/ARA delivered in.  In that case, breast feeding may be the best option for giving babies the best DHA/ARA amino acids for the potential prevention of food allergies.

DHA and ARA supplements are typically derived from algae and mold which make them not identical to the DHA and ARA found in breast milk.  One brand of DHA and ARA supplements for babies is extracted from egg yolks which may be of concern for those with a history of food allergies and especially egg allergies.

Is baby formula with synthetic DHA/ARA unhealthy?  That's one question that remains to be clearly and factually unanswered.  What is known for sure is that natural DHA/ARA promotes healthy brain and eye development.  Let's just hope there really is a cure one day for food allergies using DHA/ARA supplements.
Sources:
http://www.justmeans.com/DHA-in-infant-formula-experimenting-with-children-s-health/41966.html

http://www.pediatricsupersite.com/view.aspx?rid=81874

http://www.babygooroo.com/index.php/2010/05/23/usda-calls-for-removal-of-dhaara-from-organic-formula/