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