2008 April « Our babies

There has been a lot of discussion on my mommy boards this past week about the hexane method of extracting DHA/ARA from algae for infant formulas. Recently, it was brought to our attention that this toxic method of extraction from a non-human food source, using acid and bleach is also being used in organic formulas which is striclty prohibited by USDA standards. All formulas contain this type of DHA now (since 2001) and its saftey/benefits are not really understood. It is certainly NOT a replacement for the essential fatty acids found in breastmilk.

“In 2001, US infant formula manufacturers began adding a novel source of DHA and ARA that is manufactured by Martek Biosciences Corp. This DHA is derived from strains of algae; the ARA is manufactured using a non-toxigenic soil fungus. In 2006, organic infant formula companies began promoting their use of this same ingredient. The following is the manufacturing process described by Martek:

“The oil is then separated from the dried biomass by hexane extraction and centrifugation and/or filtration, followed by winterization. The hexane phase undergoes additional centrifugation/filtration to remove solids then the winterized oil is heated and treated with acid. Subsequently, the oil is treated with caustic, centrifuged, bleached and deodorized.” ¹ Learn more at Cornucopia Institute“

With all this information, I have decided to feed the boys a new type of organic formula and I thought I’d share it with you in case others out there have tiny ones and are concerned. It is currently the only option out there (although a great one) for infant formula free of Martek brand hexane-extracted DHA. Here is the link, there is a lot of great info on hexane extraction so look around!

http://www.naturesonedirect.com/ordafo.html

I also decided to order their DHA/ARA which is from a natural human food source (eggs) and is water-extracted, not the acid, bleach and hexane solvent treated algae that we have been feeding them:

http://www.naturesonedirect.com/dhaarafaacsu.html

oh, and they call it toddler formula beause they want people to breastfeed, look at the nutritional comparison and it has the same stuff as all the infant formulas.