A panel of health experts has highlighted the importance of omega-3 and omega-6 fatty acids for young children by recommending that infant formulas should contain the omega oils.
Recommendations published in the Journal of Perinatal Medicine note that breastfeeding is the preferred method for feeding infants as omega-3 and omega-6 occur naturally in breast milk.
However, the experts suggest that, in order to increase the likelihood of good eye and brain development in children who are bottle fed, infant formula should be supplemented with these vital fatty acids.
Cristina Campoy, an expert in the University of Granada's Department of Paediatrics, said: "Over the past decade, many research studies have highlighted the importance of DHA (docosahexaenoic acid) omega-3 and AA (Arachidonic acid) 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."
Pregnant women are advised to consume at least 200mg of DHA omega-3 a day.
A panel of health experts has highlighted the importance of omega-3 and omega-6 fatty acids for young children by recommending that infant formulas should contain the omega oils.
