What is DHA and why does it matter?

Updated 3 months ago

What is DHA?

DHA (docosahexaenoic acid) is a long-chain omega-3 fatty acid found naturally in breast milk. It is a key structural component of the brain and the retina of the eye, and is involved in the development of the central nervous system during the first years of life.

The first two years of life are when the brain grows fastest — and DHA uptake by the brain is at its peak during this period. Because infants cannot produce enough DHA on their own, and because it is naturally present in breast milk, it is added to infant formula to support healthy brain and eye development for formula-fed babies.

Since 2020, the European Union requires DHA in all infant formulas — making it a mandatory ingredient in every formula sold in Europe, including all formulas at My Organic Formula.

What does DHA do for your baby?

• Brain development — DHA is concentrated in the brain and supports cognitive development, neuronal signalling and memory formation during the critical first years of life
• Eye development — DHA is the primary fatty acid in the retina and supports visual acuity; studies show formula-fed babies who receive DHA have visual development similar to breastfed babies
• Immune function — research suggests that DHA and ARA supplementation in formula may support immune system development, with markers similar to those seen in breastfed infants

Where does DHA in formula come from?

Not all DHA is produced equally. The source and extraction method matters — both for the quality of the ingredient and for parents with specific dietary preferences.

Fish oil

Most European organic formulas source DHA from natural fish oil — a clean, well-established source that closely mirrors the DHA found in breast milk. HiPP, Holle and Nannycare use fish oil as their DHA source.

Algae oil

Kendamil is the only European formula brand at My Organic Formula that sources DHA entirely from algae rather than fish. Algae is the original source of DHA in the food chain — fish accumulate DHA by eating algae. Algae-based DHA is suitable for vegetarians and eliminates any fish-related allergen concerns.

DHA in European formula vs. conventional formula

In some parts of the world, DHA in formula has historically been extracted using hexane — a petroleum-based solvent that is a neurotoxin. This practice is prohibited under EU organic regulations. All DHA used in European organic formula is extracted using clean methods, without the use of chemical solvents.

Which formulas at My Organic Formula contain DHA?

All formulas at My Organic Formula contain DHA — it is a mandatory ingredient in all EU infant formulas since 2020. The source varies by brand:

• HiPP — fish oil
• Holle — fish oil
• Nannycare — fish oil
• Kendamil — algae oil (vegetarian-friendly)