There is a new notion on uninformed mothers that their breastmilk has insufficient DHA and ARA that are currently being promoted by formula companies.

This notion is WRONG. DHA and ARA are naturally present in breastmilk, formula companies just researched on DHA and ARA and decided to tell the world they finally found something to make formula 1 step closer to breastmilk (yes they have not been able to completely replicate breastmilk yet).

Breastmilk does not lack in any nutrients. Even when DHA varies among fish and non fish eating populations, there is NO PROOF THAT BREASTMILK IS INSUFFICIENT IN DHA. Supplementing nursing mothers with DHA has also not been proven to be beneficial as even though research shows DHA beneficial for infant cognitive and visual development, nobody researched the optimal amount needed or the side effect of overdosing on it. (Populations high in DHA had lower cardiovascular disease but higher stroke)

Fish oil intake also needs to be aware of mercury and other contaminants.

Contaminant issues aside, DHA and ARA are significant for infant neurodevelopment so formula w DHA and ARA are good for babies who are not breastfed.
http://www.todaysdietitian.com/newarchives/092208p66.shtml

They have elemental, extensively hydroyzed or amino acid-based formulas
on the market (Neocate, Nutramigen, etc), but those are more for allergies or intolerance to normal milk formulas, and babies with reflux issues or
gastrointestinal diseases like Crohn's.

I'm not sure if they may be suitable for underweight infants.

These formulas also tend to cause diarrhea.

You could check with a good obstetrician.

You could try consulting my former classmate, Ravi Chandran, in Gleneagles.

One of the top students in Victoria Institution during my days. In other words,
he's the cream of the cream.

He's quite competent and experienced. Has a reputation amongst expatriates
too, I understand.



Hypoallergenicity and effects on growth and tolerance of
a new amino acid-based formula with DHA and ARA.

http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/m/pubmed/18931605/



Clinical response to amino acid-based formula in neurologically
impaired children with refractory esophagitis.

http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/m/pubmed/12352519



https://www.nestlehealthscience.com/products/alfare

Every baby is unique. That's why children gain weight differetly. Here's weight gain month by month accepted norms.