Long-chain polyunsaturated fatty acids in diets for infants: choices for recommending and regulating bodies and for manufacturers of dietary products

Abstract

While the scientific evaluation of the physiologic effects, potential benefits, and risks of dietary preformed long-chain polyunsaturated fatty acids (LCPUFA) for infants have been discussed elsewhere, this manuscript addresses some of the resulting consequences and challenges of interpreting the available knowledge from the perspective of recommending and regulating bodies, and of manufacturers of dietary products and their ingredient materials. Traditionally human milk composition has served as a reference point for infant formula design. With respect to the use of LCPUFA in infant formula, much more emphasis than ever before invested for any other group of micronutrients has been put on clinical studies investigating the potential advantages and disadvantages of LCPUFA in infant foods, including growth, safety aspects, and a variety of other outcome measures.