Looks like this did not go through the first time! I have a question for all
you Lactnetters. Do any of you know the status of the research project being
done in Boulder, Colorado on a new formula? I have a copy of a sheet
requesting volunteers that appeared in health clinics and WIC offices in
Boulder. Only mothers who have been exclusively breastfeeding their infants
but plan to switch their baby to a formula before 6 months are eligible for
the study. The 4 week study lists the following benefits to mothers: free
study formula, 8 cases of formula upon completion of the study, free breast
pumps, free medical monitoring of baby's transition from breastfeeding to
formula feeding. There were no benefits listed for the experimental babies.
The purpose of the study was to compare the tolerability of a new formula
with a commercially prepared one. Does anyone know what they are looking at
specifically in the experimental formula?

I know there has been much research published on lowering the amounts of
protein and iron in formulas. However, one of the biggest interests is in the
fats and fatty acid composition of formulas. There were a couple of previous
posts regarding the fatty acids DHA and AA. These are the predominant
structural fatty acids in the brain and retina and the ones that are thought
to be responsible for the higher IQs and better visual functioning in
breastfed babies. A US company is now marketing a product conatining DHA and
AA made from microalgae that is being put into European formulas. Watch what
the marketing will look like for these when they hit the US! Any information
on the above study would be greatly appreciated.  Thanks

Marsha Walker, RN, IBCLC