Infant formula must contain omega-3 and omega-6 in order to provide babies with these necessary nutrients, experts have claimed.
According to experts from 11 countries who have reviewed existing research on omega oils, both Docosahexaenoic acid (DHA) omega-3 and Arachidonic acid (AA) omega-6 should be added to infant formula in order to ensure bottle-fed youngsters receive these important nutrients, which would otherwise be obtained from breast milk.
The 19 experts who have developed the Recommendations and Guidelines for Perinatal Medicine also note that breastfeeding women should have a regular supply of DHA, and that pregnant women should aim to have at least 200mg a day.
Professor Stewart Forsyth, medical director at Ninewells Hospital and Medical School, commented: "Over the past decade many research studies have highlighted the importance of DHA omega-3 and AA omega-6 in infant development.
"It is therefore vital that pregnant and nursing mothers consume adequate amounts of DHA in their own diet and, if using an infant formula, should provide their infants with a formula containing DHA and AA at recommended levels."
The experts suggest that vegetarian dietary supplements can provide a good alternative to eating oily fish for obtaining omega-3.
Infant formula must contain omega-3 and omega-6 in order to provide babies with these necessary nutrients, experts have claimed.
