Omega-3 Fatty Acids for Maternal and Infant Health and Development

The Omega-3 Centre has published a scientific consensus report on  Omega-3 Fatty Acids for Maternal and Infant Health and Development. This report is the outcome of a workshop  convened by the Omega -3 Centre and held in June 2009 involving nine experts.  It provides an excellent overview of the requirements, current intakes and the latest research on omega 3s during pregnancy, breastfeeding and infancy.  Copies of the report are available by contactiing the Omega - 3 Centre at www.omega-3centre.com

Risk factors for predicting childhood obesity at age 5 years

Childhood overweight and obesity is a concern world wide. A UK study has identified risk factors which can help predict whether a child will be obese at age 5 years (1). Identifying such factors can assist health professionals put in place targeted preventative strategies. 

Study on iron fortified milk and red meat improving toddler iron status now published

Previously discussed in the October 2009 newswire, Iron fortified milk and red meat improves toddler iron status, this study has now been published in the December 2009  issue of the American Journal of Clinical Nutrition www.ajcn.org/cgi/content/abstract/90/6/1541. This New Zealand study showed that iron fortified toddler milk has an important role in increasing toddlers iron stores, protecting them from iron deficiency.

Safety of Infant formulas with added long chain polyunsatured fats and Bifidobacterium lactis

Long chain polyunsaturated fatty acids (LCPUFA) such as DHA, and probiotics such as Bifidobacterium lactis, are added to some infant formulas in Australia. The Heinz Nurture Gold infant formula range contains these additions.  A randomized controlled study undertaken in South Australia has shown that these formulas are safe, with infant growth rates and formula tolerance similar to those infants fed formulas without these additions (1).

Australian National Breastfeeding Strategy 2010-2015

Dietary Guidelines for Australians recognise the importance of breastfeeding as the best way of feeding infants to give them the best start in life. The Australian Health Ministers at their conference in November 2009, endorsed the first Australian National Breastfeeding Strategy for the years 2010-2015 (1).