looking for dha/ara free formula

[BNC]

I'm pretty sure the Earths Best Organic Formula is DHA and ARA free. As is the Parents Choice Soy based formula

[benjaminsmom]

Originally Posted by Griffinsmom There's nothing artificial about the DHA and ARA in formula it comes from algae- a natural source. As you say, most normal babies will be ok either way, but DHA supplementation sure aren't a gimmick and there is very interesting research being done on DHA with ADD/ADHD, heart disease, depression, alzheimers. It's been proven to be important for preterm babies and in Europe DHA is in most if not all prenatal supplements. The time DHA is most important is in utero and in the first 9 months of a baby's life, but it continues to be important for all of us throughout our whole lives-- heck there is now even research clearly showing how important DHA is in cat and dog health. There are consequences to not getting enough of an essential fatty acid and it's pretty much impossible to get enough in our diet unless you eat fish daily which isn't recommended due to the mercury problem in our fish. The argument of "I didn't get it and I turned out just fine" doesn't hold water for me. I'm not looking for my baby to hopefully turn out fine, I'm looking for good nutrition, the best I can give especially when it comes to brain and eye health. The amount of special needs children I see especially those with atttention issues and developmental delays is staggering and there is plenty of good science to point to essential fatty acid deficiencies playing a role. I think the best comparison I can make is folic acid which is now a no brainer for pregnant women-- yet plenty of women who DID'T take folic acid had babies without neural tube defects. My mother didn't take folic acid and I turned out fine. It doesn't mean there isn't a link or it isn't important. My MIL smoked and drank throughout all her pregnancies and all 4 of her children turned out to be big, seemingly healthy babies and high acheiving adults. It doesn't make me think I should do as she did. I don't think it will be too long before all infant formula will be required to contain DHA/ARA. What IS probably pointless is paying extra for foods with wee bits of added DHA as they are now making like yogurts, juices etc It's added in such small quantities that people would be much better off to supplement properly.

Well said momma! Hugs to you and your LO.

[kisskiss632]

i did not want to start an argument of any source. i think we are all mindful women, looking for whats best for our babies. in Griffinsmoms case...dha is great, but i dont think all of our children need to be overloaded with it. i mean, they are putting it in everything. formula, baby food, rice cereal. i just think its a little much. yes our children may benefit from a little extra dha, but should it really be in everything they eat??? i just think it is a very interesting topic, and i encourage everyone to make the choices that are right for them!!!

[tfjjmc]

I might try the non DHA ARA. DD is on Soy because of reflux, and diarreah. The soy stopped the Diarreah, but we still have reflux. Maybe I will switch to regular soy. I have seen it at Target, and WalMart. What do you think mama's.

[kisskiss632]

well, in the studies, it did give some children diarhea and vomiting... its worth a try.

[BabyNick#2]

I am not going to read the thread, because there is probably a debate. I started both my ds's on the Good Start formula with DHA/ARA and they BOTH had horrible liquid poo. With #1., I switched to the purple can, then a couple months later tried again. Liquid poo all over again, and dehydration. With #2, after it happened with him, I switched to the purple can and did not try with DHA/ARA again. With dd, I started off with DHA/ARA kind, and she did not have any problems. However, when I do not get the checks to help me save $ on the stuff with DHA/ARA, I buy without. At Walmart, they have the 32 ounce cans for about $23, the DHA cans are a bit more $$, and are smaller.
I did my own research, and found conflicting studies. I also value my husbands opinion, he is an optometrist, and although of course the nutrients found in fish/DHA/ARA are important, genetics play a much bigger part. He has horrible eyesight, mine is fantastic. I guess we will see (haha) in about 10-14 years.

(I am not saying it is true, but I read that "they" get the DHA from plants and not from fish, dont know what that proves though...)