katherine in atl,
You wrote, "the bottom line Valerie is that american mothers "do" have lower
DHA levels than many parts of the world."

What are the studies that you are using as a basis for this conclusion?

You state, " since fish isn't safe...then the only other real option for incr
DNA to what would imo be optimal levels, is supplements."

I assume by this statement that you are supportive of taking gmo supplements
since fish isn't safe. Or do I misunderstand you?  This is based on what
studies?  What are the long term ramifications of using gmo supplements?  I believe
that we don't know because the product has not been out there long enough to
make such a determination.

For thousands of years, vitamins and minerals were consumed through the foods
we ate in a "whole" form.  Now we take megadoses of one vitamin or mineral,
and we know that this can at times block absorption of other essential
nutrients.  Excessive iron can cause a zinc deficiency.  Taking DHA by itself does
what to the body?  How much is absorbed?  Are synthetic mixtures absorbed in the
same manner as someone eating the whole food? What improvements do we see and
who does the research that shows us improvement with supplements?  Martek?

I have been involved in the organic health food movement since my college
days (some 35 years ago).  I think this need for DHA supplementation is all about
"the money."  The supplement industry is owned by multi-national corporations
(some of which are pharmaceutical companies).  Thus they have a huge profit
potential.  As a drug company they can serve the number of consumers who use
drugs.  But they can also serve the enormous and growing number of consumers who
are interested in alternative health through supplements.  It's like selling
DHA to the infant formula industry and to breastfeeding mothers.  Ya can't
lose--if they don't use infant formula, they will use your supplement.  It's
brilliant marketing.  They have some very clever people in their industry.
Valerie W. McClain, breastfeeding advocate

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