Functonality and nutritional recommendations of essential fatty acids and their derivatives in breastfeeders of six months onwards

Abstract

Essential fatty acids and long-chain unsaturated fatty acids are important for growth and neuronal development during the final months of gestation and the early years of life.

The aim of this study is to highlight the importance of ensuring a correct intake of EFAs for nutritional requirements through the intake of foods which naturally contain these acids or which have been enriched with them.

The methodology used was basee on the review of electronic databases MedLine, ScienceDirect, Scirus, Trip database and that of the scientific journal library of the University of Murcia. National and international websites such as  the Asociación Española de Pediatría (AEP), European Agency for Food Safety (EAFS) and the European Society of Pediatric, Gastroenterology, Health and Nutrition (ESPGHAN) were also consulted.

The results show how EFAs and also AGPI-CL (DHA and ARA) are essential for the correct development of breastfeeders and infants. Even though the breastfeeder is enzymatically fully equipped from the first day of life to convert EFAs into AGPI-CL and derivatives, the conversion may be insufficient  and it may be necessary to include AGPI-CL in the diet.

The conclusions are that during the first 6 months of life  the provision of EFAs and AGPI-CL is assured thanks to the mother’s milk or through starter formulas; at six months the introduction of complementary foods and the adaptation to cow’s milk at  twelve months (against the recommendations of the ESPGHAN) may affect the provision of these acids. There is a legal vacuum in the issue of the provision of EFAs through complementary foods other than cereals although committees like the AEP recommend that AL in meat and fish baby foods with vegetables should suppose 3-4.5% of the energy provision, and ALN at least 0.5% in order to satisfy EFA requirements in breastfeeders ans infants.