First Nationally Distributed Bread of Its Kind Provides New Way to Incorporate DHA-Omega 3 into Children’s Diets
Sara Lee North American Fresh Bakery today announced the expansion of its successful Soft & Smooth bread line with the introduction of its new Sara Lee® Soft & Smooth Plus breads Made with DHA Omega-3. Based on a growing body of scientific evidence, docosahexaenoic acid (DHA) Omega-3 helps to support healthy brain development1. Sara Lee Soft & Smooth Plus breads provide moms with a nutritious and simple means to ensure their children continue to receive the benefits of DHA Omega-3, together with other sources of DHA in their the diet, beyond infant formula and jarred baby food.
“While moms recognize that DHA Omega-3 is important to their child’s diet, it can be difficult to incorporate, especially with picky eaters who turn their nose at one of the most common sources – fish,” said Dr. Alanna Levine, Fellow of the American Academy of Pediatrics and parenting-expert. “If parents can add small portions of DHA into their child’s diet from a variety of sources – especially in something as palatable as a mild, soft-textured bread – it’s easy for their child to get the daily nutrition they need.”
Available in 100% Whole Wheat and Made with Whole Grain White, Sara Lee Soft & Smooth Plus Made with DHA Omega-3 breads are the first nationally distributed breads of its kind in the United States. The new breads provide moms an option for their little ones that contains a portion of their daily recommended whole grain intake along with the mild taste and soft texture inherent in the Sara Lee Soft & Smooth line, now with DHA Omega-3. life’sDHA™, the algae-based ingredient that provides Sara Lee Soft & Smooth Plus bread with DHA Omega-3 nutrient, is produced by Martek Biosciences Corporation (Martek).
“We understand the need to ensure proper nutrition through all stages of life especially in younger children,” said Tim Zimmer, vice president, Sara Lee North American Fresh Bakery. “Bread with DHA Omega-3 is an excellent and simple way to provide moms with a great-tasting, nutritious option their little ones will love.”
Both varieties of Sara Lee Soft & Smooth Plus Made with DHA Omega-3 breads contain 12 mg of DHA Omega-3 per two-slice serving, which is at least 10 percent of the Institute of Medicine’s suggested daily amount for kids, depending on age, ranging from 1-13 years old2. Years of research show a role for DHA in the normal development and functioning of the brain1, especially in supporting healthy brain development during those early years when it makes a difference.
“Martek continually aims to provide resources to companies like Sara Lee so together we can promote health and wellness throughout all stages of life,” said David Abramson, president of Martek Biosciences Corporation. “Combining our life’sDHA with the Soft & Smooth product is a natural partnership.”
About DHA Omega-3/life’sDHA™
DHA Omega-3 is a long-chain Omega-3 fatty acid that serves as a primary building block for the brain and the eyes and supports brain, eye and heart health. Scientific reviews highlight the importance of DHA Omega-3 in proper brain and eye development and function, as well as its importance in cardiovascular health. Yet despite its importance, most consumers do not get enough DHA in their diets.
Fish are often incorrectly thought to be the only source of DHA Omega-3. However, life’sDHA™ offers a trusted, vegetarian form of DHA. Fish are sources of DHA because of the DHA-rich microalgae in their food chain; life’sDHA is derived directly from microalgae, a renewable, sustainable source of DHA that does not deplete ocean resources.
