5-17-97 USA Today Editors: In the May 15, 1997 USA TODAY there is an article entitled "ENRICHING BABY FORMULA" about the possible fortification of baby formulas with antioxidants. The article discusses a report in ANALYTICAL CHEMISTRY, a journal of the American Chemical Society. A Frederick Khachik of Catholic University, Washington, D.C., analyzed breastmilk and found 34 carotenoids, a subset of antioxidants that originate in fruits and vegetables. It is correct that "the carotenoids of human milk are important for developing and maintaining good health of infants," but the same can be said of the thousands of other extremely important components found in breastmilk but NOT PRESENT in baby formula. Just adding a new component here and there is not the same as getting formula to "more closely mimic natural breast milk." If you travel from Maine to Massachusetts you are closer to Hawaii, but not by much. The public needs more articles informing them of the superiority of breastmilk and breastfeeding and of the numerous serious health hazards caused by artificial feeding. Please consider doing more research and printing more on this subject. Sincerely, Laurie Wheeler, RNC, MN, IBCLC LA Breastfeeding MediaWatch Coordinator 3408 Acorn Dr Violet LA [log in to unmask] 504-682-2966