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Food for a Thought

All the information you need for nutritious bellies

A Closer Look At Commercial Formulas

by Dara Ree

Martek Biosciences produces two single cell oils DHASCO & ARASCO which are Martek’s names for their proprietary oils that are extracted from (GMO)genetically modified fermented algae & fungus using a neurotoxic solvent hexane. Hexane is a highly explosive chemical.

  • DHA (docosahexanoic acid) derived from marine microalgae (DHADCO)
  • ARA (arachidonic acid) derived from soil organism (ARASCO)
These manufactured oils only contain 40-50% DHA & ARA and the short fall is made up by adding sunflower oil. The oil is extracted from the dried biomass using hexane extraction process. The oil is winterized, refined, bleached, & deodorized to produce the final product.

"While infant formula manufacturers claim that these oils are perfectly safe and necessary for proper development, our report provides a more detailed picture. We investigated how a toxic chemical is used as processing agents in the manufacturing process, the inadequate testing for safety, and most importantly, how some infants are experiencing serious adverse reactions from formula supplemented with these oils."

- Charlo'e Valleys, Farm and Food Policy Analyst, the Cornucopia Institute

DHA/ARA Omega 3&6 for brain & eye support

"It's true that DHA and ARA are important nutrients for developing infants--that's why they're found in human breast milk. But we have also seen that some infants are experiencing side effects like diarrhea from consuming the manufactured DHA and ARA oils in formula."

- Jimi Francis, Ph.D., a biochemist specializing in DHA in infant nutrition at the Allie M. Lee Laboratory for Omega-3 Research at the University of Nevada at Reno

"When I worked in the hospital's neonatal ward, the nurses all called it "the diarrhea formula'. We've seen infants, tiny little humans, with diarrhea that just wouldn't stop after being given this formula."

- Sam Heather Doak, LPN, IBCLC, Marie'a, Ohio

 

 

Although, Martek’s DHA/ARA is a GMO (genetically modified organism) grown in a laboratory using fermented algae & fungus. The neurotoxin hexane is used in the extraction process. Due to the GMO and neurotoxins used, formula companies should not be using the word “organic” nor using the USDA organic seal.” Unfortunately, the companies listed below do use Martek's DHA/ARA and should not be allowed to be called “organic” but they do.

  • Earth’s Best Organics *Enfamil Lipil *Enfamil Next Step *Isomil 2 Advance *Nestle Good Start *Similac Advance *Ultra Bright Beginnings

Have there been reported problems with DHASCO and ARASCO in infant formula?

Yes. hundreds of reports have been submitted to the FDA regarding adverse reactions in infants consuming formula with DHASCO and ARASCO. Of these reports, 98 could be traced to the DHA and ARA oils (for example, by stating that symptoms disappeared as soon as the infant was given a non-DHA/ARA formula).

What are the adverse reactions experienced by some infants consuming DHA/ARA- supplemented formula?

Watery, explosive diarrhea, in many cases long-term, is the most commonly reported side effect. Vomiting, bloating, gastrointestinal discomfort, rashes, and seizures have also been reported. These are quite serious complications and a vulnerable population.

Have there been reported problems with DHASCO and ARASCO in infant formula?

Yes. Hundreds of reports have been submitted to the FDA regarding adverse reactions in infants consuming formula with DHASCO and ARASCO. Of these reports, 98 could be traced to the DHA and ARA oils (for example, by stating that symptoms disappeared as soon as the infant was given a non-DHA/ARA formula).

Sources: https://www.cornucopia.org/DHA/DHA_QuesHonsAnswers.pdf

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