What is ARA and Why It's Important for Your Health

Arachidonic acid, ARA, a long-chain omega-6 fatty acid, is the principal omega-6 in the brain, representing about 48% of the omega-6 fats in the brain. It is also abundant in other cells throughout the body. Like DHA, ARA is important for proper brain development in infants. It is also a precursor to a group of hormone-like substances called eicosanoids that play a role in immunity, blood clotting and other vital functions in the body.

People obtain ARA by eating foods such as meat, eggs and milk. Like DHA, ARA occurs naturally in breast milk and supports the mental development of infants. A balanced diet will supply healthy levels of ARA.

Production of life'sARA™

Martek, with its partner DSM Food Specialties, based in The Netherlands, manufactures ARA oil from the fungus Mortierella alpina. Like life'sDHA™, life'sARA™ oil is processed according to strict U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) (food) regulations. Extensive analysis is continually performed in-house as well as by an outside contractor to ensure the purity and quality of the products. Derived from a source that is not genetically modified, life'sARA™ is both Kosher and Halal.