About LIPIL:
Products - About LIPIL - Enfamil
In October 2002, Mead Johnson Nutritionals introduced Enfamil A+® with LIPIL®, the first infant formula in Canada to include DHA (docosahexaenoic acid) and ARA (arachidonic acid). DHA and ARA are Omega 3 and 6 fatty acids that are naturally found in breast milk and support normal brain, eye and nerve development.
LIPIL® is our blend of DHA and ARA. And with worldwide breast milk levels* of DHA, Enfamil A+† has been clinically proven in independent studies‡ to support normal brain and eye development.
DHA is important for babies when the eyes and brain are rapidly growing and developing in the last trimester of pregnancy through to the second year of life.
Babies get a supply of DHA and ARA from their mother when they are in the womb. After birth, breastfed babies get DHA and ARA from their mother’s breast milk. Infants can make DHA and ARA from other omega 3 and 6 fatty acids (alpha-linolenic and linoleic acids), but the conversion may be very low. Therefore they may benefit from supplemental DHA and ARA in their diet.
Experts believe that it is important for pregnant and nursing women to consume sufficient DHA in their diets. That’s because dietary DHA is "passed on" to the growing baby in the womb and through breast milk. So, to help support your baby's normal brain and eye development, be sure to eat foods rich in DHA, such as fatty fish (e.g., salmon, mackerel, sardines, herring)§ and DHA-enriched eggs.
If you are formula feeding, it is important to select a formula that is enriched with DHA and ARA, like Enfamil A+®.
The levels of DHA and ARA in Enfamil A+ formulas are comparable to global averages* found naturally in breast milk. These levels are recommended by the World Health Organization. Not all formulas have DHA and ARA.
Enfamil A+ represents a major innovation in infant nutrition in Canada. Those recommending the addition of DHA and ARA to infant formula include: the British Nutrition Foundation; the joint expert consultation to the Food and Agriculture Organization and World Health Organization; an expert panel convened by the International Society for the Study of Fatty Acids and Lipids; and an expert panel sponsored by the Child Health Foundation in Germany. Health Canada has approved the sources of DHA and ARA used in Enfamil A+.
Since the launch of Enfamil A+®, Mead Johnson Nutritionals has added LIPIL® to other infant formulas within this family of products such as: Enfapro® A+®, Enfamil® Thickened A+, Enfamil® EnfaCare® A+® and Enfamil® GentleaseTM A+®. Choosing the right formula is an important decision. For more information about DHA and ARA or Enfamil formulas, talk to your baby’s doctor or call our Caring Experts at
1 800 361-6323.
*Assuming about 50% calories from fat.
†Studies used Enfamil LIPIL®, sold in Canada as Enfamil A+.
‡Studied to 18 months vs same routine starter infant formula without DHA and ARA.
§Health Canada provides advice for
limiting exposure to mercury from certain types of fish.