Babies can make their own DHA (omega-3) and AA (omega-6) from the
essential fatty acids LA and ALA after 6 months, but the rate is too
slow to provide sufficient quantities.

At the Jan. '03 PRO-LC meeting, Rachelle Lessen taught us that most of a
babies DHA is acquired in utero, that most women have insufficient
plasma DHA, and that plasma DHA decreases with increasing parity.
Recent studies showed DHA levels in human milk in the US 0.14% and
0.19%, vs. WHO recommended minimum 0.46%.
Since highest importance for babies is in utero, mothers need to be
supplemented rather than babies.  Preemies start out shortchanged, so
may need supplementation, but Martek oil has DHA in different position
in the triglyceride that carries it, so effectiveness needs to be
tested.  I think the best answer for moms is probably salmon, which has
high DHA and low mercury.  Vegetarian moms who have a long history of
high flaxseed or walnut consumption are probably OK, but won't
synthesize DHA rapidly enough if they start it when they become pg.

Low DHA levels are linked to poor visual acuity & cognitive development,
and to higher rates of ADHD.  There is anecdotal evidence, but not good
research, showing DHA supplementation helpful for ADHD kids.

Jonathan

Only G-d knows the formula for mother's milk!

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