Written by
Louise W Lu, PhD, MPH, BMLS
Written/Reviewed by
Alexandra V Goldberg, Registered Dietitian
On the journey of raising a healthy child, every parent wants to lay a strong foundation. DHA has long been known as the "brain gold"—a structural fat in the brain’s grey matter, essential for retinal development, and widely recognized for supporting intelligence, focus, and learning ability.
But if you've ever read into breastmilk research, you’ll know this: it’s never just about DHA. Breastmilk naturally contains another equally important fatty acid—ARA (Arachidonic Acid). Though often overlooked, ARA plays a critical role in neural signaling, immune system maturity, and inflammation regulation.
Today, science is clear:
DHA builds the brain’s structure, while ARA powers the brain’s connections.
These two work together to help your child process faster, respond better, and learn more effectively.
Even more importantly, not all DHA is created equal. Many parents focus on the DHA number on a label, but forget to ask:
- Is it sourced from deep-sea fish or clean, sustainable microalgae?
- Was it extracted at low temperature and protected from oxidation?
- Is your child getting pure nutrition—or just fishy taste and hidden risks?
In this article, we’ll help you uncover: Why Life’sDHA® is considered the gold standard of algal DHA, why ARA is the forgotten but vital brain nutrient, how the 1:1 DHA:ARA ratio closely mimics human breastmilk, and why many children’s DHA products on the market may be unintentionally unbalanced.
Here’s what we’ll cover:
Why We Choose Life’sDHA® — Not All Algal Oils Are Created Equal
Most parents today know that algal oil is a gentler, plant-based alternative to fish oil — ideal for babies and children, without the risk of heavy metal contamination.
But few realize: the words “algal oil” can hide a huge range in quality.
Many DHA products on the market today — gummies, drops, or capsules for kids — list “algal oil” in their ingredients, but provide no clarity on the DHA concentration, source, extraction method, or stability. The reality behind these vague labels may include:
- Bulk, uncertified algal oil with low DHA and high impurities
- High-temperature solvent extraction that damages DHA bioactivity
- Misleading labeling that shows DHA content per dose without clarifying the % concentration in the oil
- No oxidation protection, leading to rancid smell and effectiveness loss after opening
Worse yet, some so-called “algal oil” products may be blends — diluted with refined vegetable oils or waste byproducts from industrial processes. These are not suitable for infants and toddlers, especially for long-term consumption.
LyeeCyee DHA Algal Oil uses only the gold standard — Life’sDHA® B54-0100 from global nutrition leader DSM-Firmenich. Here's why it stands apart from ordinary algal oils:
1. Ultra-High Purity: 545mg DHA + 80mg EPA per gram
- 545mg pure, bioactive DHA
- 80mg naturally occurring EPA (supports immune regulation)
- 620mg total omega-3 triglycerides
This means: smaller capsules, less daily intake, and easier absorption — perfect for children.
2. Zero Fishy Taste, Zero Aftertaste
Thanks to advanced sensory optimization technology, Life’sDHA® eliminates common issues like fishy reflux or burps:
- No fishy or seaweed odor
- No greasy aftertaste or nausea
- Ideal for kid-friendly formats like drops, chewables, or gummies
3. Pure Microalgae Source — Safe, Non-Polluted
Life’sDHA® is extracted from non-GMO microalgae under sterile, low-temperature conditions — not deep-sea fish or animal byproducts:
- Free from mercury, lead, and dioxins
- No allergens, antibiotics, or hormonal residues
- Sustainably cultivated and ocean-friendly
In contrast, many low-cost DHA oils use untraceable sources or waste oils that are unfit for infants.
4. Superior Stability & Absorption
DHA oxidizes easily. Once degraded, it not only loses its benefits — it can generate harmful compounds. Life’sDHA® uses proprietary antioxidant microencapsulation to ensure:
- Shelf-stable and resistant to rancidity post-opening
- Slower, steadier release in the body for better bioavailability
- Effective absorption without high dosing
5. Trusted by Leading Global Infant Brands
Life’sDHA® is used in over 100 premium infant formulas and prenatal supplements worldwide, including:
- Enfamil® (Mead Johnson)
- Similac® (Abbott)
- Wyeth® Nutrition
This reflects not just its safety, but the extensive research and human studies behind it.
| Comparison | Life’sDHA® B54-0100 | Ordinary Algal Oil |
|---|---|---|
| DHA Content | 545mg per gram | 100–200mg/g (often unspecified) |
| Source Quality | Certified microalgae, non-GMO, sterile cultured | Unclear origin, possible oil blending |
| Taste & Palatability | No fishy smell, kid-friendly | Strong odor, oily taste, poorly tolerated |
| Stability & Oxidation | Microencapsulated, highly stable | Easily oxidized, rapid spoilage |
| Research & Brand Trust | Used by >100 global brands | No traceable data or validation |
Bottom line: “Algal oil” isn’t automatically safe — or effective. Only Life’sDHA® offers verified purity, safety, and clinical-grade results, backed by decades of research and trusted by leading brands. That’s why we choose it for your child.
What Is ARA and Why Is It Critical for Brain and Immune Development?
While DHA is more well-known, ARA is the real “accelerator” for neural and immune development in children.
Think of DHA and ARA as a powerful duo—one builds the network (structure), the other transmits signals (function):
| Compound | Main Functions | Role in Infant Development |
|---|---|---|
| DHA | Neuronal membrane structure, retina, grey matter | Increases brain volume, enhances visual clarity |
| ARA | Synapse formation, neural signal transmission, immune response | Supports neural connections, enhances response speed and infection resistance |
DHA is like the steel and concrete of a building, while ARA is the electrical wiring that keeps it running smoothly.
What Does Science Say?
- The American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP) and European Food Safety Authority (EFSA) both emphasized over a decade ago that: Infant formulas should include both DHA and ARA, ideally in a 1:1 or 2:1 ratio.
- Studies show that supplementing DHA alone may suppress ARA synthesis, potentially leading to slower reflexes and reduced immunity.
- Lack of ARA may also disrupt:
- Neuroinflammatory regulation (leading to frequent infections or digestive issues)
- Growth hormone pathways (impacting height and bone density)
The 3 Essential Roles of ARA in Infant Growth
- Neural Signal Regulator: ARA is a critical fatty acid in the neuronal membrane, essential for neurotransmitter release and synapse formation—key to neural sensitivity.
- Immune System Architect: ARA is the precursor to prostaglandins and leukotrienes, which are vital in regulating inflammation and fighting off viruses.
- Growth & Development Partner: ARA supports red blood cell production, muscle growth, and organ development—contributing to healthy weight and height gain in infants.
Why Most DHA Supplements Lack ARA
- High Cost: Extracting high-purity ARA is technically challenging and significantly more expensive than DHA.
- Low Awareness: While most consumers know about DHA, ARA is often overlooked despite its importance.
- Stability Issues: ARA is prone to oxidation and requires advanced stabilization technologies.
This makes ARA-containing supplements a rare and valuable find for child nutrition.
ARA ≠ optional — it’s the missing half of the “smart + strong immunity” equation.
Your child may already be taking DHA. But if they catch colds easily, struggle with emotions, or react slowly… it might be time to check if they’re also getting enough ARA.
Adding DHA is basic — adding DHA + ARA is a complete, breast milk-inspired strategy.
Smart brain + strong immunity = DHA + ARA. You need both.
What Does the Breastmilk DHA:ARA = 1:1 “Golden Ratio” Really Mean?
We often hear that "breastfeeding is best" — not only because it’s natural and safe, but because before the invention of formula, breastmilk was the sole nutritional source for newborns.
Through extensive research, scientists found that across races, diets, and geographies, the DHA and ARA levels in human breastmilk consistently hover around a 1:1 ratio. This remarkable stability suggests that nature intended these two fatty acids to coexist and work synergistically.
From the very beginning, nature made it clear: DHA and ARA should always come together — neither is optional.
The True Gold Standard: Balanced DHA + ARA — Not Just High DHA
| Component | Average in Breastmilk (/100ml) | Key Function |
|---|---|---|
| DHA | 5–10mg | Neural cell membrane structure, retina development |
| ARA | 5–15mg | Synaptic signal transmission, immune factor synthesis |
In the first 6 months of life, the presence of both DHA and ARA is essential for brainstem development, synaptic connectivity, and immune balance.
From toddlerhood through age 6, children require roughly equal amounts of DHA and ARA daily to support the parallel growth of their nervous and immune systems.
Your “High DHA” Supplement Might Be Disrupting That Balance
Many children’s DHA products in the market claim:
- 100mg, 200mg, even 300mg of DHA per softgel
- But contain no ARA — or don't even mention ARA at all
This kind of one-sided supplementation can lead to:
- More neural structure, but poor signal conduction: DHA without ARA reduces synaptic efficiency
- Weakened immunity and slow development: ARA is essential for immune factor and growth hormone synthesis
- Excess DHA may suppress the body’s ability to produce ARA naturally
It’s like wiring a house without plugging in the power — the structure is there, but nothing turns on.
Why Use a 1:1 DHA:ARA Ratio?
For example, in the LyeeCyee formulation:
- Each softgel contains 120mg of DHA from Life’sDHA®
- Plus 120mg of high-purity plant-based ARA
- This mirrors the natural DHA:ARA ≈ 1:1 ratio found in breastmilk
This balanced formulation offers three major benefits:
- Better biological recognition, improving absorption and utilization
- Prevents imbalance-related risks, protecting both brain function and immunity
- Safe for long-term use, especially for formula-fed or picky eaters
DHA is the foundation, ARA is the spark. Balanced intake mimics breastmilk — the smartest design nature ever made.
Think You're Supplementing DHA for Your Child? You Might Be Getting It Wrong
Not all DHA supplements are truly suitable for children. Many parents believe they're choosing "high DHA, high-quality products," but in fact, they may be making common mistakes—misguided supplementation that could actually hinder development.
Mistake 1: Adding DHA Without ARA — Unbalanced Nutrition
Many children's DHA products contain 100mg, 200mg, or even 300mg of DHA per capsule, but contain little to no ARA. Some don’t even list ARA at all in the ingredients.
This is far from the natural 1:1 DHA:ARA ratio found in breast milk, which can result in:
- Neural structures without functional signal transmission → slower brain response
- Weakened immunity, frequent colds, poor digestion → ARA is a precursor for immune compounds
- Excess DHA may even suppress the body’s own ARA synthesis
Mistake 2: “Algal Oil” Does Not Equal Life’sDHA®
Many products are labeled simply as “algal oil” or “marine algae extract.” If it doesn’t clearly state it uses Life’sDHA®, it may be:
- Low-purity algae oil with uncertain DHA content
- Blended with cheap vegetable oils to cut costs
- Using unverified algae strains with no clinical support
Only Life’sDHA® from DSM-Firmenich offers standardized, high-purity microalgal DHA, trusted by global infant brands like Mead Johnson and Abbott.
Mistake 3: Strong Fishy Taste, Children Refuse to Take It
If your child experiences burping, nausea, or resistance to taking DHA, it could be due to:
- Fish oil source → strong taste, lower absorption
- Oxidized oils → rancid smell and reduced efficacy
- Unpleasant experience → low compliance and inconsistency
Bottom line: If the DHA your child is taking is “high DHA + no ARA + unspecified algae oil,” they may be missing half the essential nutrients needed for proper development.
What Should You Choose Instead? Here's What LyeeCyee Offers:
- Trusted Source: Life’sDHA® B54-0100, non-GMO high-purity microalgae
- Golden Ratio: 120mg DHA + 120mg ARA per capsule, 1:1 as in breast milk
- Child-Friendly: No fishy smell, no burping, more palatable
- High Stability: Microencapsulated for better absorption and oxidative protection
Smart parents don't blindly chase high DHA—they choose a formula that mirrors breast milk, backed by science, and safe for long-term use.
