Diane Benisek, RD, LD
Nutrition Education Coordinator
Martek Biosciences ([log in to unmask])

Additional questions have been posted regarding DHA supplementation:

*DHA levels in breast milk in different countries
DHA intake in pregnant American women is documented to average 48mg/day, with
Caucasian women consuming only 26mg/day. Breast milk DHA levels in American
women (one of the lowest in the world) range from .1-.21% of total fat.
Intake of Japanese women ranges from 520-700mg/day; Japanese breast milk
levels are reported at >.5% of total fat.
Danish pregnant women consume an average of 370mg/day, adults in Great
Britian 200mg/day; average DHA in European breast milk is .3% of total fat.
A few organization have set standards for DHA intake - the British Nutrition
Foundation recommends women not exceed 1500 mg/day, Japan Ministry of Health
and Welfare recommends a minimum intake of 500-1000mg/day for pregnant and
lactating women.

*toxicity in adults
Supplementation up to 1620mg DHA/day had no documented toxicity or unwanted
side affects (Conquer and Holub  J.Nutr. 126:3032-3039, 1996). DHA is a fat;
the intakes being discussed are milligrams, while all of us are consuming
many grams of fats every day in our diets. I'm not aware of any documented
DHA toxicity, I'd be interested if anyone has sources stating otherwise.

*genetically-engineered algae
The algae used by Martek for the production of its DHA-rich oil is not a
genetically engineered algae or a genetically modified organism (GMO). It is
a fully natural golden algae and the oil is considered a natural food, not a
'novel food'. It is, however, grown using highly controlled axenic conditions
under full complicance with FDA Good Manufacturing Practices.

I have an extensive review of DHA literature, please contact me if you'd like
a copy.