Abstract
Commercial infant formulas with a ratio of linoleic acid (LA) to a-linolenic acid (ALA) of 10:1 or higher are nutritionally inadequate; the tissue levels of docosahexaenoic acid (DHA) are lower and the visual function indices are reduced in infants who are fed these formulas. All the evidence points to using LA:ALA ratios of less than 8:1, but there has been only one study in infants that used formulas with reduced LA:ALA ratios, and only biochemical indices were monitored. There is a need for both short-term studies to establish the ratios of LA to ALA that will make possible the accumulation of DHA to levels close to those in breast-fed infants and long-term trials to determine the effects of such fat blends on growth and development.
Original language | English |
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Pages (from-to) | S48-S55 |
Journal | The Journal of Pediatrics |
Volume | 125 |
Issue number | 5 PART 2 |
DOIs | |
Publication status | Published or Issued - Nov 1994 |
ASJC Scopus subject areas
- Pediatrics, Perinatology, and Child Health