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Article: Scientists Debate Change in Infant Formula; Some Say Addition of a Certain Fat Might Improve Infants' Development
- Article from:
- The Washington Post
- Article date:
- March 4, 1997
- Author:
CopyrightThis material is published under license from the Washington Post. All inquiries regarding rights should be directed to the Washington Post. (Hide copyright information)
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A vigorous scientific debate is taking place on whether a
fatty acid called docosahexaenoic acid (DHA) should be added to
infant formula in the United States. It has never been part of
infant formula here, but in recent years it has been added to
formula in Japan and many European countries.
DHA is a natural substance present in fresh and saltwater
fish, in shellfish and to lesser degree in poultry and meat. It is
also present in breast milk in varying amounts, depending on a
woman's diet.
Scientists agree on DHA's importance. "It's very clear that
DHA and other unsaturated long-chain fatty acids are important in
the developing brain," said Ronald Kleinman, an associate professor
of ...