DHA Test
$49.95
DHA Test
$49.95
The Mother’s Milk DHA Test measures the amount of omega-3 DHA in breast milk. Studies show breast milk is the best way to deliver DHA to your growing baby.
Omega-3 DHA is an important component of a baby’s developing brain and it is present in breast milk. DHA levels in breast milk, like blood, go up and down mainly based on how much you eat. We recommend Mother’s Milk DHA levels of at least 0.32% to meet the needs of the infant’s growing brain.
Mother’s Milk DHA levels are related to:
2-4 Weeks after Giving Birth:
DHA levels change naturally in breast milk, especially in the first few days after delivery (called “colostrum”) to the later stages (“mature milk”). We are aiming to measure the proportion of DHA in mature milk.
First Feeding Session of the Day:
As all new mothers know, the term “day” should be used loosely. Aim to collect a sample during the “first” feeding of the day, before you eat breakfast or take a supplement. The same timing goes for pumped milk.
Anytime during the Feed:
Because we are measuring a percent of fat instead of a total amount of fat, the Mother’s Milk DHA level is not affected by the changes in fat content between the watery fore milk or the creamy hind milk.
DHA levels change naturally in breast milk, especially in the first few days after delivery (called “colostrum”) to the later stages (“mature milk”). We are aiming to measure the proportion of DHA in mature milk.
First Feeding Session of the Day:
As all new mothers know, the term “day” should be used loosely. Aim to collect a sample during the “first” feeding of the day, before you eat breakfast or take a supplement. The same timing goes for pumped milk.
Anytime during the Feed:
Because we are measuring a percent of fat instead of a total amount of fat, the Mother’s Milk DHA level is not affected by the changes in fat content between the watery fore milk or the creamy hind milk.
If your DHA levels are optimal with your first testing, and you maintain the same health status, diet, and/or supplement regimen, then once is enough. However, if your levels are low, and you decide to increase your intake of DHA (via fish or fish oil pills), then you can take the test as soon as two weeks after your previous test. (It only takes two weeks to change the levels of DHA in your breast milk!)
Research shows DHA levels in breast milk benefit mom & baby
Breastfeeding Women Supplemented with DHA Postpartum: Results in Infants at 4 months of age
Pregnant and Lactating Women Supplemented with DHA-rich Cod Liver Oil
Children fed formula with or without DHA from 1.5 to 6 years of age
Breastfeeding Women Supplemented with DHA Postpartum: Results in Children at 5 years of age
Supported by science.
- Actionable:
Fatty acid levels start changing as soon as you change your diet and lifestyle and stabilize in 2-3 weeks. - Personalized:
Personalized recommendations based off your test results. - Certified:
Samples are processed in our CLIA certified laboratory. - Validated:
The same validated and standardized sample processing methodology used in over 200 research studies. - Compare:
Reference ranges show you how you compare to your peers.
It is important to remember that while dose matters, your DHA level matters most. Once you have established a dose that gets you to the .32% range or higher, then you need to maintain that dose or dietary regimen to keep your level in the optimal range.
