Breastfed babies or those fed formula with added long chain polyunsaturated fatty acids have lower blood pressure later in childhood than babies fed traditional infant formula, which may cut their risk of heart disease as adults, according to a study.
Typically, long chain fatty acids, known as docosahexaenoic acid (DHA) and arachidonic acid (AA), are not added to infant formulas available in the United States.
In the study, which was conducted in 1992, 111 newborns were fed a formula supplemented with DHA and AA and 126 were given a similar formula without DHA and AA. Another group of children in the study were breastfed. Breast milk naturally contains long chain polyunsaturated fatty acids.
When the children reached 6 years of age, their blood pressures were measured. Children fed the fatty-acid formula had an average diastolic blood pressure that was three points lower than the formula-fed group.
No difference was found between the diastolic pressures of the fatty acid group and the breastfed group, according to the study.
Fatty acids are critical in child development because they are used in the formation of brain cells and cells of vascular tissue, which are involved in blood pressure.
Since blood pressure levels tend to carry on from childhood to adulthood, researchers noted that exposure to DHA and AA in early life, preferably from breast milk, may reduce cardiovascular risk in adulthood.
However, they added that further studies are needed to confirm the benefits of adding polyunsaturated fatty acids to baby formula.
British Medical Journal May 3, 2003;326:953-955 (Full Text Article)
It is important to remember that approximately 60 percent of the human brain is composed of fatty material--and 25 percent of that material is DHA.
We are all designed to eat fish and have the fat in the fish support our brain function. However, as was confirmed last month, the FDA and EPA both have issued warnings about fish being contaminated with mercury. This includes nearly all fish, except for sardines and fish like Wild Pacific salmon from remote areas.
Ideally, the fish fat is transferred to the infant from a breast-feeding mother who has a good source of fish fat in her diet. However, it is obvious that not all moms are able to breast-feed for a variety of reasons. Although infant formula is a far second choice, there are some ways to improve it.
Many companies are seeking to supply DHA to formulas. This would seem to be a wise choice considering the well-documented benefits of DHA in brain development.
Although DHA is essential, if it is given out of balance, without EPA, as in the form being suggested by the FDA, it is potentially problematic.
When DHA is given, it should be balanced with its cousin, EPA.
This works out quite nicely as the processing to isolate DHA is quite expensive. So an excellent brand of fish oil would provide both of these essential fatty acids.
I have identified Carlson’s as one of the top brands out there. Fortunately, they do make liquid fish oil that can be added to infant formula. It is somewhat hard to find, so if you are unable to locate it in your local health food store you can purchase it in our convenient online store.
The dose of the fish oil would be 1 ml for every 10 pounds of body weight. One teaspoon is equal to 5 ml. At this time of year it is wise to give the baby fish oil, not cod liver oil. Cod liver oil is full of vitamin D and it is great in the winter, but in the summer the child is designed to receive its vitamin D from sun shinning on its bare skin.
Arachidonic acid (AA) is also useful for brain development and is found in small amounts only in animal fats. Arachidonic acid (AA) plays a role in the function of the brain, is a vital component of the cell membranes and is a precursor to important prostaglandins. Some dietary gurus warn against eating foods rich in AA, claiming that it contributes to the production of "bad" prostaglandins, ones that cause inflammation. But prostaglandins that counteract inflammation are also made from AA.
Interestingly, AA is in fish oil, and it can also be found in lean meat and egg yolks.
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