The Space Research Behind Your Baby's Formula

That jar of baby food in your kitchen? NASA didn't invent it. But there's a genuine space connection to infant nutrition that's far more interesting than the myth suggests.

The Real NASA Connection

In the 1980s, NASA funded research into closed-loop life support systems for long-duration space missions. Scientists at Martin Marietta (now Lockheed Martin) were studying microalgae as a potential food source and oxygen generator for astronauts.

During this research, they discovered something unexpected: certain species of algae naturally produced docosahexaenoic acid (DHA) and arachidonic acid (ARA)—the same omega fatty acids found in human breast milk.

From Space Labs to Baby Bottles

Two scientists involved in the NASA research, Martek Biosciences founders, recognized the commercial potential. They developed a way to extract these fatty acids from algae and add them to infant formula.

Why does this matter? DHA and ARA are critical for:

• Brain development in infants
• Visual acuity and eye health
• Cognitive function in early childhood

Before this discovery, formula-fed babies weren't getting these nutrients unless mothers took supplements. Breast milk naturally contains both compounds, giving breastfed infants a nutritional advantage.

A Global Impact

Today, over 90% of infant formulas sold in the United States contain algae-derived DHA and ARA. The additive has spread worldwide, appearing in formulas across Europe, Asia, and beyond.

The FDA approved the use of these algae-derived fatty acids in infant formula in 2001. Since then, it's become the industry standard rather than a premium feature.

The technology didn't stop at babies. The same algae-derived omega fatty acids now appear in adult nutritional supplements, fortified foods, and even animal feed. What started as space research has become a multi-billion dollar industry.

Baby Food Itself Has Different Origins

Commercial baby food actually dates back to 1927, when Dorothy Gerber convinced her husband to use their family's canning company to produce strained peas for infants. Gerber Products Company launched the following year with strained carrots, peas, prunes, and spinach.

NASA wouldn't exist for another three decades—it was established in 1958.

So while astronauts weren't pureeing vegetables for babies, the space program genuinely contributed something valuable to infant nutrition. Sometimes the real story is better than the legend.