Your baby’s brain grows faster during the first year of life than at any other time.  At birth, the cerebral cortex—the part of the brain responsible for conscious thought—is immature, but during the first six months of life, it experiences astounding growth.  During the peak growth period, 2 million new synapses—connections between brain cells—are created every second!

Good nutrition will help fuel your baby’s brain growth.  The biofactors iron and zinc are important for babies' mental functioning.  Scientists are learning that the biofactors AA and DHA may be especially important during the first year or life.  AA and DHA are fatty acids that serve as “building blocks” for the brain.

A growing body of evidence suggests that infants fed formula fortified with AA and DHA may enjoy beneficial effects on their mental development.  For instance, research has found that infants fed formula fortified with AA and DHA scored an average of 7 points higher on intelligence tests at 18 months of age than infants fed standard infant formula. 

The body can make some of its own AA and DHA, but young babies may benefit from a dietary source. AA and DHA are present in breast milk and are found in Wyeth's infant formula.