The roles of long-chain polyunsaturated fatty acids in pregnancy, lactation and infancy: review of current knowledge and consensus recommendations

Berthold Koletzko, Eric Lien, Carlo Agostoni, Hansjosef Boehles, Cristina Campoy, Irene Cetin, Tamas Decsi, Joachim W. Dudenhausen, Cristophe Dupont, Stewart Forsyth, Irene Hoesli, Wolfgang Holzgreve, Alexandre Lapillonne, Guy Putet, Niels J. Secher, Mike Symonds, Hania Szajewska, Peter Willatts, Ricardo Uauy

    Research output: Contribution to journalArticlepeer-review

    604 Citations (Scopus)

    Abstract

    This paper reviews current knowledge on the role of the long-chain polyunsaturated fatty acids (LC-PUFA), docosahexaenoic acid (DHA, C22:6n-3) and arachidonic acid (AA, 20:4n-6), in maternal and term infant nutrition as well as infant development. Consensus recommendations and practice guidelines for health-care providers supported by the World Association of Perinatal Medicine, the Early Nutrition Academy, and the Child Health Foundation are provided. The fetus and neonate should receive LC-PUFA in amounts sufficient to support optimal visual and cognitive development. Moreover, the consumption of oils rich in n-3 LC-PUFA during pregnancy reduces the risk for early premature birth. Pregnant and lactating women should aim to achieve an average daily intake of at least 200 mg DHA. For healthy term infants, we recommend and fully endorse breastfeeding, which supplies preformed LC-PUFA, as the preferred method of feeding. When breastfeeding is not possible, we recommend use of an infant formula providing DHA at levels between 0.2 and 0.5 weight percent of total fat, and with the minimum amount of AA equivalent to the contents of DHA. Dietary LC-PUFA supply should continue after the first six months of life, but currently there is not sufficient information for quantitative recommendations.

    Original languageEnglish
    Pages (from-to)5-14
    Number of pages10
    JournalJournal of Perinatal Medicine
    Volume36
    Issue number1
    DOIs
    Publication statusPublished - 2008

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