IAMNZ China

DHA (Docosahexaenoic Acid) or LCPUFA n-3 or commonly known as Omega 3 fatty acid Studies suggest that the addition of Omega 3-DHA may help the structural component of brain and eye development as well as improve cognitive and visual function. DHA makes up as much as 97 % of the omega-3 fatty acids in the brain and 93% in the retina. The presence of DHA, according to some studies, is believed to assist retinal or vision development in pre-term babies. As LCP’s are a major importance in the last 3 months of pregnancy for visual and brain development.

ARA and AA (Arachidonic Acid) or LCPUFA n-6 or commonly known as Omega 6 fatty acid. Omega 6-AA plays an important role in maintaining the central nervous system.The same as DHA, this nutrient is seen as essential for a baby’s brain, heart and retinal development. Fish is a good source of both AA and DHA, with meat and eggs particularly rich in AA. Linoleic (essential fatty) Acid or LA Found naturally in sunflower, safflower and sesame oils. The body can process these oils to make DHA fatty acids. It is universally accepted that infants need a higher intake of fats to help their rapid growth and brain development. Alpha Linolenic (essential fatty) Acid or ALA Found naturally in flax seeds, walnuts and leafy vegetables. The body can process these oils to make ARA fatty acids.

Probiotic cultures support development of a strong digestive and immune system. This good bacteria builds up the mucosal immune system, which then acts as a defense against harmful bacteria entering via the digestive tract.
Dekker et al 2009 Clinical studies in infants and young children in New Zealand and Prof Sunil Sazawal, John Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health, John Hopkins University, Baltimore, USA Clinical studies in young children in India and Indonesia.

Non-digestible carbohydrates that are naturally found in breast milk in the proportion 90% GOS 10% FOS at 0.8g per 100ml. Human breast milk oligosaccharides are recognised as the key in boosting a babies immune system which is often associated with less allergies in breast fed babies.
These oligosaccharides are chains of sugars (or simple carbohydrates ). But these type of sugars/carbohydrates are very difficult to digest unlike lactose or sucrose. As such, they then become a source of fuel for the beneficial bacteria (probiotics) contained in the large intestine. In its natural state, these prebiotic carbohydrates are found in such food as whole-grains, bananas, onions, garlic, tomatoes, etc.

GOS = short chain galacto oligosaccharides

GOS prebiotics encourage digestive health by boosting the natural level of good bacteria (probiotics such as bifidobacteria) in your child’s gut. They may also decrease the level of harmful bacteria and help the absorption of essential nutrients, as well as promoting softer, more regular bowel motions.

FOS = long chain fructo oligosaccharides. Also referred to as inulin.

FOS protects against intestinal infection and helps strengthen the intestinal immune system. Also assists the flow of nutrients including B vitamins and short chain fatty acids.

Important building blocks of Ribonucleic Acid (RNA) and Deoxyribonucleic Acid (DNA). They occur at high levels in breast milk and infants benefit from a proper supply of nucleotides due to their rapid cell growth at this time.

Taurine is regarded as a free/beta-amino acid and is thought to be “conditionally essential” for brain development and to help with fat absorption from the gastrointestinal tract and ensure that the liver deals with waste products efficiently.
It is also believed to help with nerve protection of the eyes and ears plus has antioxidant and detoxifying properties that will assist the liver. Found in high concentrations in a babies developing brain.

Protein is an essential component of breast milk– it is the building block for growth. The two main types of protein in milk: whey and casein have complementary functions. Whey is lighter and more soluble so it is easy to digest while casein is heavier and is slower to digest. The ratio of these is very important for your child’s ability to digest properly.

Whey and Casein
Whey and casein are different types of proteins, which are both present in breast milk and also in cows’ milk. For the first few months, the proteins in breast milk are predominantly whey proteins and these are easier to digest than casein proteins. Casein proteins take longer to digest and may be more satisfying for hungrier babies.

Whey Casein Ratio
This is to more closely mimic the composition of breast milk and to transition babies to cow’s milk composition. Whey protein dominant stage 1 formula helps facilitate more gentle digestion for baby’s immature digestive systems. Casein proteins may be more satisfying for hungrier babies.