Cynthia wrote a long post on DHA.  Here in the UK we have been having promotion
of LCPUFAs (Long Chain Polyunsaturated fatty acids) for some time.  Milupa have
promoted the *ingredient* in ads in some mother and baby magazines.  The UK law
prohibits the advertising of infant formula in publications for the general
public, but they advertise the fatty acid ingredient (it has a special name
'Milupan', and the name is prominant on the label on the packet).

To see some research on the value of these LCPUFAs go to :

http://thelancet.com/newlancet/reg/issues/vol352no9129/body.article688.html

This research -- supported by Milupa -- concludes the value of theses acids, but
hardly reminds us that they are present in breastmilk, nor does it mention the
sources of the fatty acids in the formula (some formulas use fatty acids form
egg albumin, others from fish oils, I believe).

The UK press had an interesting time with this research.  Some picked up on the
breastfeeding angle (including the Mornning Star -- the paper of the communist
party), but the Daily Mail (a rather conservative middle of the market paper)
headline (28 August 1998) read:  BRIGHT BABIES FORMULA:  Special powder milk
boosts intelligence, claims report. Whereas, you could really consider that it's
making up for deficiencies in in previous formulations of breast milk
substitutes.

Magda Sachs
Breastfeeding Supporter
The Breastfeeding Network, UK
Saddleworth, near Oldham, Greater Manchester, UK