Growth, tolerance, and DHA and ARA status of healthy term infants receiving formula with two different ARA concentrations: Double-blind, randomized, controlled trial

•Equivalence, with respect to arachidonic acid (ARA) and docosahexaenoic acid (DHA), was demonstrated for infant formulas that had ARA at 25 mg vs 34 mg (per 100 kcal).•Results suggest buccal cells do not serve as a substitute for red blood cells (RBCs) as a marker of ARA status.•Present data suggest DHA availability for central nervous system development and function is equivalent for infants receiving formulas that have 17 mg/100 kcal DHA and DHA:ARA ratios of 1:2 or 1:1.5.