Long-chain polyunsaturated fatty acids in diets for infants: Choices for recommending and regulating bodies and for manufacturers of dietary products

While the scientific evaluation of the physiologic effects, potential benef its, and risks of dietary preformed long-chain polyunsaturated fatty acids (LCPUFA) for infants have been discussed elsewhere, this manuscript address es some of the resulting consequences and challenges of interpreting the av ailable knowledge from the perspective of recommending and regulating bodie s, and of manufacturers of dietary products and their ingredient materials. Traditionally human milk composition has served as a reference point for i nfant formula design. With respect to the use of LCPUFA in infant formula, much more emphasis than ever before invested for any other group of micronu trients has been put on clinical studies investigating the potential advant ages and disadvantages of LCPUFA in infant foods, including growth, safety aspects, and a variety of other outcome measures.