Preterm infants have decreased stores of DHA and ARA at birth due to their shortened gestation times. A developing fetus requires DHA and ARA throughout pregnancy. In the last few months of pregnancy, significant brain, eye and nervous system development occurs. Infants who are born early miss out on critical time for DHA and ARA to be transferred through the placenta to their developing bodies. After birth, preterm infants have heightened demands for DHA and ARA due to the rapid development of their eyes and brains, rapid physical growth rates, and their increased risk for some neurological deficits. In addition, preterm infants’ immature bodies have a limited ability to produce DHA and ARA, a process that is inefficient in even healthy, full-term infants and adults. Research (some, but not all) has shown that DHA and ARA supplemented formulas may help preterm infants achieve normal growth in terms of weight, length and head circumference, as well as improved visual and mental development when compared to the infants fed formula not supplemented with DHA and ARA.