This is reprinted with the author's express permission to post it to
LactNet.  It is a post to James Akre, of the World Health Organization, from
Ricardo Uauy, a researcher in Chile.


Dear Jim:

Thanks for your e mail on use of DHA supplements during pregnancy and
lactation.  I am greatly concerned with the erroneous interpretation of the
Report on Fats and Oils. What is stated is that formula should follow the
composition of milk from omnivorous women, that is with a DHA content
ranging from 0.2 - 0.6 %.  There is no evidence whatsoever that breast milk
may be insufficient in DHA.  Preliminary data from Makrides in Adelaide
Australia (Barcelona Nov 1996 AOCS meeting on PUFAs in infant nutrition) did
indicate a low correlation r-square circa 0.15 between breast milk DHA and
Bayley MDI at 12 months in a study of DHA supplementation of human milk. The
data at 18 months do not show evidence for advantages of supplementing
lactating mothers with DHA.
  Similar data have been recently (July 23, 1997 in Edinburgh EFA
International Congress)reported by Jorgensen from Denmark.  In the Danish
study the controlled supplementation ocurred during pregnancy.  Based on the
available evidence I fully endorse the position taken by Ms. Amis "It is my
understanding that the WHO does actively promote breastfeeding but has NOT
issued any official recommendations regarding levels of DHA in breast milk
and does not, at this time, recommend, support, or promote DHA supplements
for pregnant and/or lactating women."

On the other hand pregnant and lactating women should be encouraged to eat
sources of alpha linolenic acid (green leafy vegetables) and fish as a ready
source of DHA.  No justification for DHA supplements can be made based on
scientific evidence.

It is my impression that commercial interest Martek Inc USA is involved in
promoting DHA supplements.

Greetings

Ricardo Uauy
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Katherine A. Dettwyler, Ph.D.                         email: [log in to unmask]
Anthropology Department                               phone: (409) 845-5256
Texas A&M University                                    fax: (409) 845-4070
College Station, TX  77843-4352
http://www.prairienet.org/laleche/dettwyler.html