Tuna oil in DHA Baby Food

(I already did a search, but I am looking for more [or updated] information.)

I have to read labels carefully for dairy and egg products due to Abby's dietary restrictions. I saw that one of the DHA foods that DH bought has tuna oil in it. It struck me funny, and though I know the nutritional value of fish oil for adults, I am really wondering about the safety factor for kids. I cannot imagine that a baby food company would put a mercury filled fish product in its recipes, but it never hurts to proceed with caution.

This is not a problem worth calling my pediatrician for as I can put off those foods (or questions) til Abby's next well visit, but I am wondering if anyone has spoken to their pediatrician about it and if they have any information to share. TIA.

Re: Tuna oil in DHA Baby Food

Dont quote me on this b/c it's been over a year since I looked up the whole mercury thing. Im not sure that I remember correctly.

But from what I remember the mercury is in the fatty part of the fish not the oil....but Idont know if it is type specific or what...

Re: Tuna oil in DHA Baby Food

Isn't DHA fish oil?

And besides that, I think Heather is right...

Re: Tuna oil in DHA Baby Food

Re: Tuna oil in DHA Baby Food

Our ped wants DD to have DHA chewable tablets - but she did specify to buy the ones in Wild By Nature that are made from seaweed. I don't know how much that helps, but that is the extent of my knowledge on the subject of fish oil.

Re: Tuna oil in DHA Baby Food

i believe the DHA is the fish oil. most if not all DHA baby food that i've seen contain fish oil--i always check the ingredients as well.

i have the duet prenatals--one is a vitamin and one is a DHA gel cap. well, i accidentally broke open the DHA gel cap and it STUNK of fish so obviously the DHA capsule is fish oil as well. very stinky

Re: Tuna oil in DHA Baby Food

I am a little unsure about what you are asking.

DHA is a fatty acid from Fish Oil. Most of the formulas and baby foods are adding it. But I believe it is tested to be sure it is mercury free, as were our Duet DHA prenatal vitamins.

Forgive me if I am understanding your question.

Re: Tuna oil in DHA Baby Food

I don't know the answer.. but it is a great question

I do know that there are some DHA supplements (I take expecta) that do not use a fish based DHA. Expecta is the same company that makes enfamil formula and it is a plant based DHA.

Re: Tuna oil in DHA Baby Food

Not all of Abby's DHA labeled food has fish oil in it. My limited (and unreliable internet research) says that DHA is a fatty acid found in many fish AND water based plants.

Re: Tuna oil in DHA Baby Food

DHA is an essential fatty acid that is not made in most animals, including us AND fish. It's made in algae.... the fish eat the algae (or other fish that eat algae) and they accumulate DHA.

I have a fish allergy. I can't eat any fish oil supplements. However, I CAN have expecta brand DHA... They derive it directly from algae. This is also how they get the DHA for formula.... so there are no fish products in formula ... and no mercury risk in algae derived DHA.

If you look carefully, I'm certain someone makes a pediatric supplement that is algae derived. Fish allergies are too common for it to not be on the market