Winnie described a senario that is becoming quite common in the US, that of
the formula reps canvassing the hospitals to introduce the new formulas that
have added long chain polyunsaturated fatty acids (DHA and AA). There is a
long history behind these additions starting with the experiments on babies
in the early 1990s using different sources for the fatty acids. A study comes
to mind that used fish oil as the base for the added fatty acids. The
experimental preterm babies in that group were evaluated for growth at the
end of a year or so. Documented reductions in weight gain, weight for length,
and head circumference were seen in the supplemented babies compared to the
control group of babies fed unsupplemented formula.
Carlson SE, et al. First year growth of preterm infants fed standard compared
to marine-oil n-3 supplemented formula. Lipids 1992; 27:901-907

Much activity was undertaken by the formula companies in the US, especially
Ross to discourage the addition of these LCPUFA to formulas because it would
increase the price of the formula and give a marketing advantage to a
competitor if they were added to the other guy's formula. A report prepared
for the USDA concluded that there was not enough evidence to justify the
addition of these fatty acids to formula. However, here we are today with
both major formula companies adding LCPUFA made from microalgae (who have
their own problems) to formula.

The reps want to extract glowing recommendations for this formula from nurses
and lactation consultants so they can use these statements in their
marketing. Can't you see this on the label---"Hospital nurses recommend our
formula 10-1, be confident that your baby is getting milk that is closest to
you."

Ask the reps what happened to the little preterm babies that did not grow and
donated their brain cells to commercial causes!

Marsha Walker, RN, IBCLC
Weston, MA

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