Support a full-term pregnancy with evidence-based omega-3 monitoring
Mothers Milk DHA Test
Track the DHA content of your breast milk and ensure your baby is getting the omega-3s they need for healthy brain and eye development.
DHA (docosahexaenoic acid) is a long-chain omega-3 fatty acid critical for the early development of your baby’s brain, eyes, and nervous system. Breast milk is the sole source of DHA for exclusively breastfed infants but studies show that DHA levels in breast milk can vary up to 10-fold depending on the mother's diet and omega-3 intake.
The Mother’s Milk DHA Test provides a simple, science-backed way to measure the DHA concentration in your breast milk using a dried milk spot collected at home. This helps you understand whether your current diet or supplementation is providing sufficient DHA to support your baby’s neurodevelopment during the first critical months of life.
Why Test Breast Milk DHA?
- DHA is the most abundant omega-3 in the infant brain and retina.
- Adequate DHA in breast milk is associated with better visual acuity, problem-solving, and attention span in children.
- Many breastfeeding women fall below recommended levels, especially those not eating oily fish or taking DHA supplements.
- Testing gives clarity and empowers you to optimize your diet or supplements to meet your baby’s needs.
How to Improve Your Mothers Milk DHA?
If your result is below the optimal 5% threshold, increasing your intake of EPA and DHA can help. Options include:
- Eating 2–3 servings/week of fatty fish (salmon, sardines, mackerel)
- Taking a high-quality fish oil or algae-based supplement thats high in DHA
- Retesting after 4 weeks to track your progress
What Is a Healthy Mothers Milk DHA Range
A healthy DHA level in breast milk is considered to be 0.3% or higher of total fatty acids. This threshold is based on international research linking DHA concentrations in breast milk to optimal neurodevelopment outcomes in infants.
Studies show that when maternal DHA levels in breast milk fall below 0.2%, infants may not receive enough DHA to support brain growth, retinal development, and early cognitive function. The global average is often below this mark, particularly in Western diets low in oily fish.
By testing your breast milk and targeting a level of ≥0.3% DHA, you can help ensure your baby receives the essential omega-3s they need during their most rapid period of brain development.
Backed by Science
- Makrides et al. (1995): Found that infants of mothers with higher DHA levels in breast milk scored better on visual acuity and mental development assessments.
- Koletzko et al. (2008): International consensus recommended ≥0.3% DHA in breast milk as a desirable target for supporting infant neurodevelopment.
- Qawasmi et al. (2012, Pediatrics): Meta-analysis concluded that higher DHA intake in infancy is associated with improved problem-solving skills and psychomotor development.
- Gibson et al. (2011): Documented large variability in breast milk DHA globally, with many women in Western countries falling below the ideal threshold, especially without supplementation.
These studies support the use of DHA testing in breastfeeding mothers to assess and optimize infant DHA exposure during critical periods of development.
Key Benefits
- Optimise Infant Brain Development: Ensure your baby receives sufficient DHA during the most critical period for neurological and visual growth.
- Personalise Supplementation: See whether your current diet or DHA supplement is effectively enriching your breast milk.
- Evidence-Based Targeting: Align with the clinically recommended DHA threshold of ≥0.3% for breastfeeding mothers.
- Easy, At-Home Collection: Non-invasive dried milk spot sample – no clinic visit or blood draw needed.
- Track Progress Over Time: Retest after dietary changes or supplementation to confirm improved DHA levels.
- Peace of Mind: Confidently support your baby’s cognitive, motor, and immune development with measurable insight.
What's Measured?
- DHA (% of total fatty acids in breast milk). This value reflects the amount of DHA your baby receives from breastfeeding.
- Studies suggest an optimal target of ≥0.3% DHA in breast milk for supporting infant development.
Who Should Use This Test?
- Breastfeeding mothers (exclusive or mixed feeding)
- Mothers following vegetarian or low-fish diets
- Women supplementing with omega-3 and wanting confirmation of efficacy
- Clinicians or lactation consultants monitoring maternal DHA status
What's Included?
- Dried blood spot collection card
- Return envelope and instructions
- Lab analysis + secure online results
FAQs
Why test breast milk instead of blood?
Breast milk DHA directly reflects what the infant receives. While maternal blood levels give insight into long-term DHA status, only breast milk tells you what’s being transferred to the baby.
Do I need to fast?
Avoid eating fish or taking Omega-3 supplements for 12 hours before the test.
What is an optimal DHA level in breast milk?
An ideal DHA concentration is ≥0.3% of total fatty acids. This level has been associated with improved cognitive and visual outcomes in infants.
Is this test suitable for vegetarians or vegans?
Yes. This test is particularly useful for those on plant-based diets to assess DHA status and determine the need for algae-based omega-3 supplements.
When is the best time to test?
Testing can be done at any stage of breastfeeding, but it’s especially useful during the first 6 months when infants are most dependent on breast milk for brain-building nutrients.
How can I increase DHA in my milk?
Dietary intake of oily fish (like salmon or sardines) or DHA-rich supplements (fish oil or algae oil) can raise breast milk DHA within days to weeks.
Is the test safe and easy to do at home?
Yes. The dried milk spot collection is non-invasive, requires only a few drops of milk, and comes with full instructions for simple home use.
What does the test include
Your kit includes everything you need to collect and return your sample from home: a dried blood spot (DBS) collection card, full instructions, and a return envelope. You’ll also receive a secure lab report with your Mothers Milk DHA results and reference ranges.
How accurate is the Mothers Milk DHA test from a dried blood spot?
The Mothers Milk DHA measured from dried blood spot (DBS) samples is highly accurate and validated. Our lab uses validated methods and external proficiency standards to ensure your results are consistent and clinically reliable, even with just a few drops of breast milk.
How long until I get results?
Once your sample is received by the lab, your results will be available within 3-5 business days.
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