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Related Experiment Video

Updated: Jun 21, 2026

Enzymatic Synthesis of Epoxidized Metabolites of Docosahexaenoic, Eicosapentaenoic, and Arachidonic Acids

Enzymatic Synthesis of Epoxidized Metabolites of Docosahexaenoic, Eicosapentaenoic, and Arachidonic Acids

Published on: June 28, 2019

Docosahexaenoic acid and lactation.

Craig L Jensen¹, Alexandre Lapillonne

¹Section of Gastroenterology, Hepatology and Nutrition, Department of Pediatrics, Baylor College of Medicine, 6701 Fannin, MC 1010.00, Houston, TX 77030, USA. cjensen@bcm.tmc.edu

Prostaglandins, Leukotrienes, and Essential Fatty Acids

|July 28, 2009

Summary

Higher docosahexaenoic acid (DHA) intake by mothers may improve infant neurodevelopment and visual function. However, current data are insufficient to establish specific dietary reference intakes (DRIs) for DHA during lactation.

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Enzymatic Synthesis of Epoxidized Metabolites of Docosahexaenoic, Eicosapentaenoic, and Arachidonic Acids

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Published on: March 28, 2025

Area of Science:

Nutritional Science
Pediatrics
Maternal Health

Background:

Docosahexaenoic acid (DHA) is crucial for infant brain and retinal development, accumulating rapidly in early infancy.
Breast milk DHA levels vary significantly, primarily influenced by maternal dietary intake.
Optimal DHA intake during lactation is essential for infant health but not well-defined.

Purpose of the Study:

To review existing data on maternal DHA intake and its effects on infant and maternal outcomes.
To assess the sufficiency of current evidence for establishing optimal breast milk DHA content.
To evaluate the potential for setting dietary reference intakes (DRIs) for DHA in lactating women.

Main Methods:

Systematic review of observational studies and interventional trials.
Analysis focused on maternal DHA intake or breast milk DHA levels.
Outcomes assessed included infant visual function, neurodevelopment, immunologic status, and maternal mood/cognition.

Main Results:

Higher breast milk DHA levels were associated with improved infant neurodevelopment and visual function in some studies.
The impact of DHA intake on maternal depression or cognitive function remains unclear.
Current research is limited and findings are not entirely consistent across studies.

Conclusions:

Increasing maternal DHA intake may enhance breast milk DHA, potentially benefiting infant neurodevelopment.
Evidence is currently insufficient to determine specific DRIs for DHA in lactating mothers.
Further research is needed to clarify optimal DHA levels and their effects during lactation.