New research reinforces the role of DHA and ARA in early-life nutrition

2026 study: DHA + ARA and brain volume in extremely preterm infants

A 2026 study published in Archives of Disease in Childhood – Fetal and Neonatal Edition investigated whether enteral supplementation with ARA and DHA could support brain maturation in extremely preterm infants.

The study included 206 infants born between 22 and 28 weeks of gestation across three Swedish university hospitals.

• Infants in the intervention group received an oil supplement containing ARA and DHA from birth until 40 weeks postmenstrual age, in addition to standard nutrition.
• The control group received standard nutrition according to national guidelines.

The researchers assessed brain imaging outcomes at term-equivalent age, with a particular focus on brain volume.

Result:

Infants receiving intervention had significantly larger white-matter volume at term-equivalent age. White matter is a major component of the brain. It’s made of long nerve fibers covered in a fatty coating called myelin, which helps messages travel quickly between different parts of the brain. This fast communication is important for thinking, moving, and learning. The contribution of the intervention to white-matter volume corresponded to 10 days of prolonged pregnancy.

Conclusion:

This study suggests that ARA+DHA can promote white matter growth (brain growth), which may protect the developing brain in this vulnerable population.

2025 meta-analysis: DHA:ARA ratios and cognitive development

A 2025 systematic review and meta-analysis published in Nutrients examined randomized controlled trials on combined DHA and ARA supplementation in infants.

The authors reviewed evidence on how different proportions of DHA and ARA may influence cognitive development. Their findings suggested that combined DHA and ARA supplementation can have positive effects on cognitive outcomes, with particular attention to the balance between the two fatty acids.

The analysis concluded that a DHA:ARA ratio between 0.5 and 1 may potentially support cognitive function in infants.

This is especially relevant for formula design, because it highlights that the discussion is not only about whether DHA or ARA is present, but also about how these fatty acids are balanced within the overall formulation.

From scientific research to formulation strategy

At Vaneeghen, we support infant nutrition manufacturers with ARA solutions designed for compliant formulation in Europe.

Our approach combines ingredient expertise, quality assurance, regulatory understanding and collaborative technical support. Whether manufacturers are reviewing an existing formula or developing a next-generation infant nutrition product, we help them assess how ARA can fit into a strong DHA + ARA strategy.