Evidence of inadequate docosahexaenoic acid status in Brazilian pregnant and lactating women

Authors

  • Alexandre G Torres Universidade Federal do Rio de Janeiro; Instituto de Química; Laboratório de Bioquímica Nutricional e de Alimentos
  • Nádia M F Trugo Universidade Federal do Rio de Janeiro; Instituto de Química; Laboratório de Bioquímica Nutricional e de Alimentos

DOI:

https://doi.org/10.1590/S0034-89102009000200018

Keywords:

Lactation, Dietary Fats, Fats, Unsaturated, Fatty Acids, Food Consumption, Periodicals as Topic, Pregnancy

Abstract

Recently published data concerning dietary intake of fat and food sources of (n-3) long-chain polyunsaturated fatty acids (LCPUFA) in Brazil are reviewed together with data on biochemical indices of PUFA status during pregnancy and lactation and PUFA composition of breast milk in Brazilian adolescents and adults. Potential inadequacies of docosahexaenoic acid (DHA) status among Brazilian pregnant and lactating women have not yet been thoroughly evaluated. The data reviewed show that dietary intake of food sources of n-3 LCPUFA is low and possibly deficient in Brazil, and that biochemical indices of maternal DHA status and breast milk DHA content are low compared to the international literature. These data indicate inadequate DHA status among Brazilian women during pregnancy and lactation, but this evidence needs confirmation through comprehensive and specific population-based studies.

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Published

2009-04-01

Issue

Vol. 43 No. 2 (2009)

Section

Review

How to Cite

Torres, A. G., & Trugo, N. M. F. (2009). Evidence of inadequate docosahexaenoic acid status in Brazilian pregnant and lactating women . Revista De Saúde Pública, 43(2), 359-368. https://doi.org/10.1590/S0034-89102009000200018