As far as I know the research on DHA added to formula showed an improvement
over 'old-style' formula, but it still didn't give the results that
breastmilk did.

I was surprised to see that DHA is to be available as a supplement for
adults - isn't the point about DHA and young infants that they are unable
to manufacture it for themselves, developing the ability as they get older?
 If you add artificial DHA to an adult diet, would it then get passed to
the child via placenta or milk in preference to mother made DHA?  Would
that make a difference to the child?

Thanks Jon for alerting us to this.  My thoughts for a pre-emptive strike
would be along the lines of  ' Even when they catch up they're still
behind....'

Mary Broadfoot, Paisley, Scotland
[log in to unmask]

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From: Jon Ahrendsen <[log in to unmask]>
To:
Subject: DHA Formula Additive  (Long)
Date: 01 October 1996 18:42

I just received the 3rd quarter shareholder newsletter on MARTEK. If you
don't know about this company the following excerpt from their letter will
explain things somewhat to you.

Martek Bioscience Coproration is engaged in research and development and
manufacture of "products" from microalgae.  In August Martek was issued a
US patent which builds and enhances Martek's patent position regarding its
Formulaid, infant formula ingredient.  This paten makes it harder for
competitors to develop an alternative to Formulaid by blending EPA fish
oils with microbial wsources of ARA.  In Addition the companies production
of DHA and ARA are now designated as KOSHER.

Martek has started a public awareness program on TV and radio.  A letter
from a peds textbook author and a leading US pediatrician was sent to over
45,000 US pediatricians and neonatologists on the benefits of
docosahexaenoic acid (DHA) and arachidonic acid (ARA).  An article in the
August 96 issue of Discover magazine detailed the benefit for viusal acuity
of infants given formula with a DHA supplement.  They showed a level of
vision about one line on the eye chart better than those receiveing formula
without DHA.

What does this have to do with LACTNET?  Mark my word, if (or when) the FDA
decides that DHA should or could be added to ABM, there will be a marketing
push by the formula companies the likes of which we have not seen before.
The reps will promote this to the health care people as the best thing
since sliced bread, and media campaigns aimed directly at the public will
also be very moving and influencing to the average consumer/parent/mother.
Unless LLL or ILCA or somebody can issue a pre-emtive media strike to take
the thunder away from this movement, those of us in the promotion of BF
will be left standing at the gate.  Sure we all know that BM has DHA and
ARA and formula does not have those things now, but once the ABM companies
add it to their stuff, the comsumers will thing that their product is NEW
and IMPROVED ( and therefore better) and we just have the "same old thing".
 Even though WE know BM is better, and that there are still many immune
factors missing from ABM, the pro BF groups will be left looking like
second place finishers.  We will have had an "advantage"  of BF taken away
from the arguments that we can use to convince moms of the superiourity of
BM.

Do I think that DHA shouldn't be added to ABM?  No, if they can determine
the proper amount to add, I would say that the child that does not get any
BM should be better off with the DHA than without it.  The company is also
marketing a DHA capsule product as a dietary supplement that "when taken
regularly, will elevate and normalize blood levels of DHA.  One form will
be "a special formulation that addresses the neeeds of pregnant and
lactating women.  When taken as diected the supplement will elevate the
levels of DHA in blood supplying the placent during bregnancy and in breast
milk during lactation."

If you wish to contact the company to obtain information about this for
yourself you can call 800-662-6339 or at (410) 740-0081 or visit their
website at:    <   http://www.martekbio.com     >

Jon Ahrendsen MD FAAFP
Clarion, Iowa USA

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