What is DHA?

DHA (Docosahexaenoic Acid) is an omega-3 long-chain fatty acid that plays a critical role in the development of your baby’s brain and eyes. It is one of the most abundant fatty acids found naturally in the brain and retina, making it an essential nutrient during the first years of life — a period of rapid neurological growth.

Breast milk naturally contains DHA, and for babies who are formula-fed, it is vital that their infant formula milk powder includes it. In fact, DHA is a legally required ingredient in all infant formulas sold in the European Union, reflecting just how important it is considered to be in early childhood nutrition.

Research consistently shows that DHA supports:

• Brain development and cognitive function in the first 1,000 days
• Visual acuity and healthy eye development
• Learning ability and memory in infants and toddlers
• Normal neurological development in premature babies

What is ARA?

ARA (Arachidonic Acid) is an omega-6 long-chain fatty acid that works alongside DHA to support your baby’s healthy growth. Like DHA, ARA is found naturally in breast milk and contributes to both brain and body development in infants.

ARA supports:

• Physical growth and muscle development
• Immune system function
• Cell membrane integrity throughout the body
• Healthy inflammatory response

DHA and ARA work best together. While DHA focuses on brain and eye development, ARA complements it by supporting physical growth — which is why the best infant formula brands include both in balanced proportions.

Why DHA and ARA Matter Most in the First 6 Months

The first six months of your baby’s life represent the most critical window of brain development. During this period, the brain grows at a remarkable rate — approximately doubling in size by the end of the first year. DHA makes up around 25% of the total fat in the brain, which is why adequate intake during these early months has such a lasting impact.

For babies who are not fully breastfed, choosing a baby formula for 0 to 6 months that contains both DHA and ARA is one of the most important nutritional decisions a parent can make.

Feelac Basic Stage 1 and Feelac Premium Stage 1 both contain clinically supported levels of DHA and ARA, specifically formulated to meet the developmental needs of newborns and infants from birth to six months.
👉 Explore Feelac Basic Stage 1 or Feelac Premium Stage 1.

How Much DHA Should Baby Formula Contain?

European Union regulations require a minimum DHA level of 20mg per 100 kcal in infant formula — a standard that many premium brands, including Feelac, meet and exceed. When comparing formulas, look at the label and check that DHA is listed as a named ingredient rather than being bundled into a general “vegetable oil” category.

The ideal DHA-to-ARA ratio in infant formula milk powder should closely mirror what is found in breast milk — typically a ratio of around 1:2 (DHA:ARA). Feelac’s formulas are specifically developed to maintain this balance, ensuring your baby receives both nutrients in the right proportions for optimal development.

DHA and ARA in Feelac Premium — Going Beyond the Basics

While all Feelac formulas contain DHA and ARA, Feelac Premium takes it a step further by combining these fatty acids with an advanced nutritional blend including:

• GOS (Galacto-oligosaccharides) and FOS (Fructooligosaccharides) — prebiotic fibres that support healthy gut bacteria and strengthen immunity
• Lutein — a carotenoid that supports eye health and visual development
• Nucleotides — compounds that support cell growth and immune function
• Naturally active probiotics — for gut health and digestive comfort

This combination makes Feelac Premium one of the most nutritionally comprehensive baby formulas available in UAE for parents seeking advanced support for their baby’s brain, eyes, and immune system.

What About DHA for Premature Babies?

Premature babies have even greater DHA needs than full-term infants, because they miss out on the DHA transfer that occurs in the final weeks of pregnancy. A premature infant formula must contain higher levels of DHA and ARA to support catch-up brain development.

Feelac’s Premature Formula contains high DHA and ARA content specifically calibrated to meet the elevated brain, vision, and nervous system developmental needs of premature and low birth weight babies. It is suitable for use from birth to 12 months, under appropriate medical guidance.

Quick Checklist — What to Look for on a Formula Label

• ✅ DHA listed as a named ingredient (not just “vegetable oils”)
• ✅ ARA present alongside DHA
• ✅ DHA level of at least 20mg per 100 kcal
• ✅ Formula meets EU nutritional standards
• ✅ Sourced from high-quality milk (grass-fed or organic where possible)
• ✅ No sucrose or artificial flavours in Stage 1 formula

Final Thoughts

DHA and ARA are not marketing buzzwords — they are science-backed, essential nutrients that meaningfully support your baby’s brain, eye, and physical development during the most critical period of their life. When choosing a baby milk formula in UAE, always check that both are present in clinically supported amounts.

At Feelac, every formula — from our standard Basic range to our advanced Premium and Medical formulas — is built on this foundation of science and quality. If you would like help choosing the right formula for your baby’s age and needs, contact our team — we are always happy to help.