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Lactation Information and Discussion <[log in to unmask]>
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Wed, 27 Feb 2002 09:26:50 EST
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Both Mead Johnson and Ross labs have begun announcing their new formulas that
have added the long chain polyunsaturated fatty acids DHA and AA. Claims
already abound regarding the visual acuity and cognitive development that is
"similar to breastfed infants." In 1998, a report to the FDA recommended that
these not be added to infant formula because of inconclusive studies. It is
interesting that the Institute of Medicine has recently announced a new
project entitled, "Evaluation of the Addition of Ingredients New to Infant
Formula" (Project Identification Number: FNBX-H-01-03-A). This is a 24-month
study sponsored by the USDA that will be a "thorough and comprehensive review
of the evidence base for the safety of ingredients new to oral formulas for
term infants." The methods currently used to assess the safety of ingredients
new to infant formula will be evaluated. A final report will be produced in
September, 2003 that will include the evaluation of the safety of adding
long-chain polyunsaturated fatty acids to infant formulas using the proposed
approach. The approximate starting date for the project is 09/30/2001.

Silly me--I always thought that manufacturers were supposed to validate the
safety of their ingredients before they fed them to little babies. Once
again, I would urge breastfeeding advocates to keep a sharp eye on this new
formula and report any adverse effects to the FDA's MedWatch program.

Marsha Walker, RN, IBCLC
Weston, MA

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