Inadequate Maternal Docosahexaenoic Acid Intake in Lactating Women

Abstract

Text: Omega-3 fatty acids, specifically docosahexaenoic acid (DHA), are essential for infant neural and retinal development. Maternal DHA intake impacts the fatty acid composition of breast milk. Many American women do not regularly consume fatty fish, which is the primary source of omega-3. Additionally, the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) and Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) have advised pregnant and nursing women to limit their seafood intake to a varied 12 ounces per week because of the high levels of the neurotoxin, mercury, found in some fish. If lactating women drastically limit fatty fish intake, their milk may not meet the needs of their infants, even with maternal supplementation. We obtained multiple 24-hour dietary recalls from healthy lactating women (N 85) using Nutrition Data Systems for Research software. Maternal DHA intake was compared to the current Adequate Intake (AI, 300 mg/d). Very few (4%) in our sample met the AI, although intakes were higher among women (n 7) who consumed a DHA supplement (239.9 105.9 mg/d) than those who did not (53.2 90 mg/d, p 0.0003). The most common dietary sources of DHA were: salmon, catfish, tuna, shrimp, and eggs. Nursing mothers who do not meet the AI may not meet the needs of their breast fed infants, which may have future implications on their development. Following the FDA/EPA guideline does not guarantee that nursing mothers will meet the AI. Registered Dietitians should encourage nursing mothers to consume fatty fish as endorsed by the FDA/EPA, and when necessary to supplement with DHA.