Omega Fatty Acids DHA and AA Take Center Stage at Asian Conference on Pediatric Nutrition

Omega Fatty Acids DHA and AA Take Center Stage at Asian Conference on Pediatric Nutrition

October 19, 2007

    BEIJING, Oct. 19 /Xinhua-PRNewswire/ -- Research being
presented this week at the Third Asian Congress on
Pediatric Nutrition in Beijing, China, provides strong
support for fatty acid intake during pregnancy, infancy and
early childhood. Of particular focus are the omega-3 fatty
acid, docosahexaenoic acid (DHA), a major structural fat in
the brain and retina of the eye, and the omega-6 fatty acid
arachidonic acid (AA), which is abundant in the brain and
needed for growth and immunity.  

    Berthold Koletzko, M.D., Dr. von Hauner Children's
Hospital, University of Munich, will present new Perinatal
Lipid Nutrition Group (PeriLip) recommendations stating
that pregnant and nursing women should consume at least
200mg of DHA every day.  This expert committee found that
women with higher DHA omega-3 intakes had healthier
pregnancies, including higher birth weights and fewer
premature births. DHA intake was also linked with improved
infant outcomes, such as enhanced brain and eye
development. 

    Alexandre Lapillonne, M.D., Ph.D., Saint Vincent de
Paul hospital and Paris Descartes University, Paris, will
present research that found a positive correlation between
infant visual development and DHA/AA intake. The research
supports dietary DHA intake for breastfeeding women and the
inclusion of DHA/AA in infant formula. The research supports
levels of DHA in infant formula of at least 0.2 % of total
fatty acids and AA inclusion at levels at least equal to
added DHA.
 
    "There is limited public awareness of the role of
omegas in infant development," says Professor
Lapillonne. "But, as the presentations at this
conference illustrate, there is quality research available.
 Health professionals should educate women in their care on
optimal DHA and AA intake during pregnancy, nursing and
infancy, and mothers should ensure they gain the benefits
of these fatty acids for themselves and their
infants." 

    Alan Ryan, PhD, Martek Biosciences, will present
research on the effect of DHA supplementation in healthy
four-year-old children that found that higher blood levels
of DHA were associated with higher scores on a cognitive
test in these children, suggesting that higher levels of
DHA should be included in the diets of children.

    DHA omega-3 can be found in fatty fish. Various expert
bodies recommend that women and children should limit their
intake of fatty fish.  DHA can also be found in other
dietary sources, including foods and supplements fortified
with algal DHA. DHA is also added to many infant formulas.
AA is abundant in the adult diet and is added to many
infant formulas as well.

    Martek's life'sDHA(TM) from microalgae is derived from
a sustainable and vegetarian source and is free of oceanic
contaminants. Martek Biosciences Corporation (Nasdaq: MATK)
is a leader in the innovation and development of DHA omega-3
products that promote health and wellness through every
stage of life. The Company produces life'sDHA(TM) for use
in foods, beverages, infant formula, and supplements, and
life'sARA(TM) for use in infant formula. For more
information, visit http://www.martek.com.


    For more information, please contact:

     Cassie France-Kelly
     Martek Biosciences Corporation
     Tel:   [phone]
     Email: [e-mail]