DSM expands with new infant nutrition powders
Royal DSM has launched new, high-quality microbial Dhasco-B and Arasco powders for infant nutrition. These powders contain a minimum of 11g DHA (docosahexaenoic acid) or ARA (arachidonic acid) respectively and are produced with life’sDHA and life’sARA oils, which are sources of sustainable vegetarian DHA omega-3 and ARA omega-6.
The powders offer a clean label, are naturally free from contaminants, do not contain engineered nanomaterials and are made with ingredients of conventional (non-GM) origin. They are designed for easy addition to dry-blending manufacturing processes and support production of products with a longer shelf life and greater stability. The powders are safe, natural and support optimal developmental outcomes in infants, the company says.
“Research suggests that the intake of both DHA and ARA during infancy has positive effects on brain growth, cognitive and visual development, and immune function. Parents, including those who cannot, or choose not to breastfeed, should have access to safe and reliable infant nutrition products that contain these critical nutrients,” says Ethan Leonard, vice president for speciality early life nutrition at DSM Nutritional Products. “We carefully formulated the powders to ensure compliance with evolving regulations worldwide and support manufacturers in creating high-quality infant formula products with DHA and ARA that help them to shape healthy futures for children everywhere.”
DHA and ARA are long-chain polyunsaturated fatty acids (LC-PUFAs) that play a crucial role in infant health and development. Breast milk is the gold standard for infant nutrition and naturally contains both DHA and ARA, typically with ARA levels higher than those of DHA. Breast milk is used as a reference for the formulation of substitutes, which are designed to mimic the composition and functionality of breast milk as closely as possible.
Recent publications by infant nutrition experts have recommended the addition of DHA and ARA to infant and follow-on formula during the first year of life — a critical window of development. DHA supports brain and cognitive development, mental adaptability and problem solving, and information processing, while ARA may play a role in supporting the development of a healthy immune system, bone formation, blood flow and blood vessel function.
