In a message dated 7/4/0 8:54:33 PM, [log in to unmask] writes:

<< OK, why is there such an emphasis on a "pill-cure-all" when the
emphasis should be on getting people to eat correctly?  It doesn't
make any sense.  Would a woman following the Bradley diet not
get the right amount of DHA?  And how much of an overdose of
DHA would a woman get from taking these pills?  It seems odd to
say, "Oh take these, it will make your baby smarter."  instead of
"This is a recommended diet that will help promote the right
nutrients in your diet to assist you and your baby."  We have
become such a society of quick fixes and we want to take a pill to
fix everything rather than work to achieve the same goal.  I see this
in the diet ads and the "muscle builders"  "Here, take this pill"
 >>

I agree w/ you in principle. DHA can be made in the body from other essential
fatty acids (EFA's), but sources in the modern diet are quite limited. Oily,
cold water fish is a major source, but then you run the risk of contaminated
fish and it needs to be consumed 3X per week. If you are a vegetarian (as I
am), this is an unacceptable source. Flax oil is a good source, but, to
convert other EFA's to DHA requires enough micronutrients in the body. Eating
even a wholefoods diet does not guarantee enough nutrients, such as
magnesium, since the soil in which our food is grown is so depleted of these
nutrients. So, a source such as Neuromins, which is vegetarian (the capsule
is not--I personally puncture it and remove the oil), is lower on the food
chain than fish, so less likely to be as contaminated. It is not at all a
perfect solution and I dislike the implication that breastmilk is not
adequate, but our Western diets are not adequate for our well-being, so what
are the justifiable implications in that?
Jennifer Tow, IBCLC, CT, USA

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