National Survey Reveals Need for DHA Education Among New MomsSurvey Conducted With Launch of New Ultra Bright Beginnings(TM) DHA-supplemented Infant Formula Shows New Moms Lack Knowledge of DHA Levels and Benefits
GORDONSVILLE, Va., March 15 /PRNewswire/ -- A recent survey of new mothers, "Moms, Babies and DHA," found that although 93 percent of new moms have heard of DHA* and correctly identified it as a nutrient, they are not familiar with all of the benefits, recommended levels of DHA for their infants or how to increase these levels. Approximately 97 percent of new moms do not know the daily recommended level of DHA for infants, and 58 percent of formula-feeding moms incorrectly think that giving their baby a formula enriched with iron will help increase levels. (Photo: http://www.newscom.com/cgi-bin/prnh/20051020/DCTH025 ) Results from "Moms, Babies and DHA" have been released in conjunction with the launch of Ultra Bright Beginnings(TM) Infant Formula, which offers the highest levels of DHA among national formula brands.(4) Ultra Bright Beginnings contains 19 mg of DHA per 100 Calories, compared to 17 mg for Enfamil(R) LIPIL(R), 8 mg for Similac(R) Advance(R) and 16 mg for Good Start(R) SUPREME with DHA and ARA.(4) In addition, Ultra Bright Beginnings offers a cost savings of up to 34 percent compared to other national formula brands. This means a savings of more than $40 per month and $500 per year.(1) DHA and ARA** are nutrients naturally found in breast milk that are essential for babies' mental and visual development. Developing infants cannot efficiently produce their own DHA and ARA and must rely on these fatty acids through breast milk or supplemented formula.(2) "We know from our research that many American women are unclear about the benefits of DHA and what they can do to help increase DHA levels in their infants," said Paul Manning, CEO of Bright Beginnings Nutritionals. "Bright Beginnings is committed to ensuring that new parents are correctly informed about these essential nutrients and helping parents provide the optimal DHA levels for their infants." Myths and Misconceptions About DHA "Moms, Babies and DHA" uncovered a number of myths and misconceptions about DHA and how to increase it in an infant's diet. These include: * 28.2 percent of formula-feeding moms incorrectly think that feeding * 48 percent of breastfeeding moms mistakenly believe they can increase * 7.3 percent of new moms incorrectly think that DHA is a calorie burner * 32.4 percent of new moms incorrectly think that DHA will help with Only 35.7 percent of formula-feeding moms correctly identified feeding their infant a formula high in omega-3 fatty acids as a way to increase DHA levels. Additionally, when asked about daily recommended levels for their infants, only 3.4 percent of respondents correctly identified 18 mg or more a day. And, 80.7 percent of formula-feeding moms did not know the level of DHA that is currently in their infant formula. Doctors Aren't Talking About DHA A large contributor to the lack of knowledge of DHA among new moms could be the result of not receiving the information from their doctors. Approximately 73 percent of new moms rely on their doctor's recommendation for formula choices; however, 83 percent of respondents indicated their doctors did not talk to them about DHA. "It's imperative that new moms are educated about the importance of DHA, and the results of this survey further support this need," said Dr. Barbara Levine, director of the DHA Information Center and associate professor of Nutrition in Clinical Medicine at Weill College of Medicine of Cornell University. "All moms want what's best for their babies. Luckily, they have Bright Beginnings as a resource to help provide them with enough information to make the best decisions for their baby's nutritional needs." What Moms Should Know About DHA In a study funded by the National Institutes of Health comparing lipid- enriched formula to non-supplemented formula, DHA- and ARA-enriched formula fed to infants during the first four months of life was shown to significantly improve IQ scores at the age of 18 months. Infants fed lipid-enriched formula also had better visual acuity at four months and one year as compared to those who were fed non-supplemented formula.(2) About Ultra Bright Beginnings Infant Formula Ultra Bright Beginnings (MSRP $18.99) comes in a powder form and is sold in a 31.7 oz. (900 g) can in major retail outlets nationwide, including Albertsons, Harris Teeter, Kroger, Shop Rite, Shopko, Duane Reade, Eckerd and Walgreens. A complete list of retailers, on-line purchasing options and free sampling information is available at http://www.brightbeginnings.com/. Bright Beginnings offers additional Ultra formulas, including Ultra Bright Beginnings(TM) Soy Infant Formula and Ultra Bright Beginnings(TM) 2 (Follow- On) for older infants, that also contain the highest levels of DHA available.(4) Bright Beginnings' formulas meet all FDA standards, and it is the only brand to match the recommendations of the World Health Organization.(3) Survey Methodology The Bright Beginnings "Moms, Babies and DHA" survey was conducted online from February 16 - 22, 2006, among a nationally representative sample of 443 mothers with children ages 0-12 months. The survey was administered by Matrix Marketing Research Group. The margin of error for the sample is +/-3.0 percent. About Bright Beginnings Bright Beginnings powdered infant formulas are manufactured by PBM Nutritionals in the only ISO 9001:2000-certified, infant formula-manufacturing facility in the United States. Based in northern Vermont, the facility has been manufacturing infant formulas for more than 20 years. Bright Beginnings Nutritionals is part of the PBM family of companies. PBM is privately owned and based in Gordonsville, Va. The PBM family of companies specializes in manufacturing, distributing and marketing consumer food, nutritional and pharmaceutical products. The PBM family of companies consists of PBM Products, PBM Nutritionals, PBM Pharmaceuticals and PBM International. *docosahexaenoic acid (1) Bright Beginnings comparison chart available at (2) Information provided by Martek Biosciences Corporation. For more (3) FAO/WHO Joint Expert Consultation. Fats and Oils in Human Nutrition. (4) NOTE: Ultra Bright Beginnings' increased DHA level has not been Enfamil(R) LIPIL(R) are registered trademarks of Mead Johnson & Co. Press Contact: Company Contact: Photo: NewsCom: http://www.newscom.com/cgi-bin/prnh/20051020/DCTH025 Source: Bright Beginnings Nutritionals CONTACT: Mary Beth Bowen of CRT-tanaka, +1-804-675-8165, Web site: http://www.brightbeginnings.com/
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