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

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.