What will be different about dairy foods in the future?
Increase in the content of polyunsaturated fatty acids (LCPs)
What are LCPs?
LCP stands for the English term "Long-Chain Polyunsaturated Fatty Acids" and describes long-chain, polyunsaturated fatty acids. These are very important for the development of brain and nerve cells as well as the baby's vision. Examples of LCPs are docosahexaenoic acid (DHA) - an omega-3 fatty acid - and arachidonic acid (ARA) - an omega-6 fatty acid.
Because babies cannot produce enough LCPs themselves in the first months of life, LCPs are already added to our special foods. According to the new EU directive for infant milk nutrition, the addition of DHA is now legally required.
Expert opinion is in favour of adding DHA as well as ARA to infant formula. Otherwise, there may be demonstrable deviations in these fatty acids compared to breastfed babies who are always supplied with ARA through their mother's milk. This is why we have been using the combination of DHA and ARA in our HiPP special food for years.
What is DHA?
DHA - the abbreviation stands for docosahexaenoic acid - is a long-chain, polyunsaturated omega-3 fatty acid.
Why is DHA important?
Omega-3 fatty acids contribute to the normal development of the brain and nerve cells as well as vision. Omega-3 fatty acids are naturally present in breast milk. In order to ensure that non-breastfed babies are also provided with sufficient DHA, infant food DHA, e.g. in the form of fish oil, is added.
What is ARA?
ARA - the abbreviation stands for arachidonic acid - is a long-chain, polyunsaturated omega-6 fatty acid. Omega-6 fatty acids are naturally present in breast milk. The content is strongly dependent on the mother's diet. To ensure that non-breastfed babies are also sufficiently supplied with these vital fatty acids, infant formula ARA, e.g. in the form of vegetable oils, e.g. from Mortierella Alpina, is added.