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Omega-3 fatty acids—
Enhancing baby’s brain and eye development 

Essential fatty acids, also called omega-3 fatty acids, are essential because the body cannot manufacture them itself; they must be consumed through the foods we eat. Docosahexaenoic acid (DHA) is the key member of the omega-3 essential fatty acid family. It is a nutrient that is vital during pregnancy and infancy due to its important role in baby’s brain and eye development.1-4

DHA—the key essential fatty acid

There are 2 main groups of essential fatty acids: omega-3 and omega-6 fatty acids.

  • Omega-6 fatty acids are abundant in the American diet—they are found in meat, eggs, dairy products, and grains

  • Omega-3 fatty acids are predominantly found in fatty fish and some types of nuts—many American women do not get enough of these vital nutrients through their diet5

    • There are 3 main omega-3 fatty acids: alpha-linolenic acid (ALA), eicosapentaenoic acid (EPA), and DHA

    • DHA is important to baby's brain and eye development. It is added to some prenatal vitamins and infant formula to enhance both mother's and baby's nutrition, such as in Prenate DHA®

WARNING: Ingestion of more than 3 grams of omega-3 fatty acids (such as DHA) per day has been shown to have potential antithrombotic effects, including an increased bleeding time and International Normalized Ratio (INR). Administration of omega-3 fatty acids should be avoided in patients taking anticoagulants and in those known to have an inherited or acquired predisposition to bleeding.
WARNING: Accidental overdose of iron-containing products is a leading cause of fatal poisoning in children under 6. Keep this product out of reach of children. In case of accidental overdose, call a doctor or poison control center immediately.

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of Merck KGaA, Germany.
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