[Perinatal benefits and recommendations of docosahexaenoic acid and arachidonic acid].

BACKGROUND

Docosahexaenoic acid (DHA) and arachidonic acid (AA) are fatty acids, part of the human milk composition. Their concentrations depend on maternal diet and endogenous supply, but recommended levels are not often reached.

OBJECTIVE

Support with evidence the DHA and AA benefits and recommendations for the infant, during pregnancy and breastfeeding.

MATERIAL AND METHODS

Narrative review. Search was made using the keywords: recomendaciones, inflamación, inmunidad, ácidos grasos, omega-3, DHA, leche materna, pretérmino, embarazo, recién nacido, suplementación; as well LC-PUFA, human milk, preterm, immunity, DHA, pregnancy, supplementation, recommendations, from 2020-2024; if there was no information in this period, the up-to-date reference was reported.

RESULTS

DHA recommendations during pregnancy and breastfeeding: 200-450 mg/day; if the DHA tissue reserve was low in pregnancy, administer 1,000 mg/day. In the preterm infant: 30-100 mg of AA/kg/day; 30-65 mg of DHA/kg/day. Infant 7-23 months 100 mg of DHA/kg/day. Covering the supply through food or supplements during gestation and after birth improves the development and functioning of the immune, brain, and visual systems in the child, modulates the inflammatory response, and reduces the risk of premature birth and neonatal diseases.

CONCLUSION

Assuring the DHA and AA supply promotes optimal development and may prevent diseases in the infant.