This is a past event
Dietary intake of ARA and DHA during early life - with a focus on developing countries
Although the literature on the contribution of docosahexaenoic acid (DHA) and arachidonic acid (ARA) to fundamental metabolic functions in brain, immune and cardiovascular systems is extensive, there is a lack of consensus on the need for explicit recommendations on dietary intake for both DHA and ARA during the early years of life. This review takes a public health perspective with the objective of ensuring that recommendations protect the most vulnerable children worldwide. Most studies on the effects of DHA and ARA in early life have been undertaken in high income countries and this is reflected in policy recommendations. Although breast milk is considered the “gold standard” and always contains DHA and ARA, there are proposals that infant formulas, especially follow-on formulas, do not need to be supplemented with these fatty acids. Complementary foods frequently have low concentrations of ARA and DHA and this is most significant in low income countries where availability is also limited. Our recent evidence shows that in developing countries, intakes of DHA and ARA during the age period 6-36 months are low and this relates to low national income. It is concluded that policies need to ensure that there is a continuum of DHA and ARA intake during early life, which is a critical period of infant growth and development
- Speaker
- Stewart Forsyth, Honorary Professor, University of Dundee
- Hosted by
- Rowett Institute
- Venue
- The Rowett Institute
- Contact
-
Dr Nigel Hoggard
Tel: 01224 438655
This is a technical seminar aimed at professional scientists. If you are not a University of Aberdeen staff member and would like to attend, please contact us.