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Experts Recommend DHA in Baby Formula

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International Expert Working Group recently recommended DHA and AA be added to Infant Formula

The recommendations of an international group of experts, headed by Berthold Koletzko, that docosahexaenoic acid (DHA) and arachidonic acid (AA) should be added to infant formula were recently published in the Journal of Perinatal Medicine. In this publication, the authors state that “a large database exists concerning not only the safety, but also the efficacy of infant formula containing AA and DHA. These facts, together, support the addition of both AA and DHA when long chain poly unsaturated fatty acids (LC-PUFAs) are added to formula."

The position paper outlines the benefits of DHA and AA, including visual and cognitive development and possibly lower mean blood pressure later in life. The publication recommends that infants receive these fatty acids from breast milk, but if an infant is not receiving breast milk, the levels of DHA and AA in breast milk can be matched with the addition of both of these fatty acids to infant formula. Furthermore, the paper recommends that “highly refined oils from single cell organisms (specific algal and fungal organisms), eggs, or fish as sources of DHA and/or AA are appropriate for use in infant formulae and weaning foods if the purity and safety of the specific oil used has been documented.”

Noting that formula fed to infants containing DHA and AA does not alter infant growth, the group stated that “the addition of both DHA and AA to infant formula supports growth comparable to that seen in infants fed unsupplemented formula.” Additionally, the working group notes that “at least 0.2% of fatty acids as DHA appears necessary for achieving a benefit on functional endpoints, but DHA levels should not exceed 0.5% of fatty acids.”

Based on analysis of recent literature, the members of the working group “unanimously agreed on the conclusions and recommendations provided here, which are supported by the World Association of Perinatal Medicine, the Early Nutrition Academy, and the Child Health Foundation.” These groups all support the addition of DHA and AA to infant formula.

References Cited:

* Koletzko, B, Lien, E, Agostoni, C. et al. The roles of long-chain polyunsaturated fatty acids in pregnancy, lactation and infancy: review of current knowledge and consensus recommendations. J. Perinat. Med. 2008; 36: 5-14.