A cause and effect relationship between the intake of infant and follow-on formula supplemented with DHA and visual function at 12 months has recently been endorsed by the European Food Safety Authority (EFSA). The relationship applies to formula-fed infants born at term from birth up to 12 months and in breastfed infants after weaning up to 12 months.

The acceptance of this relationship by EFSA is an indication of the strong scientific evidence in its support. EFSA has previously rejected many other diet/health relationships submitted as part of the move towards food-related health claims in Europe.

Mead Johnson Nutritionals made the application to EFSA and the Panel on Dietetic Products, Nutrition and Allergies was asked to deliver an opinion on the scientific substantiation of a health claim related to DHA and arachidonic acid and visual development.

Whilst there was considered to be insufficient evidence for the link with arachidonic acid (an omega-6), omega-3 DHA (or docosahexaenoic acid) was found to contribute to the optimal visual development of infants and young children.

It is important to note that none of the studies presented showed an additional benefit of DHA on visual development when compared to the breast fed infants – so breast is still best!

The evidence indicated that the consumption of infant formulae supplemented with DHA at around 0.36% of total fatty acids from birth up to 12 months is associated with better visual function in term infants as compared to the consumption of unsupplemented formulae.

In breast fed infants there was better visual acuity up to 12 months in those fed DHA supplemented formulae/weaning foods as compared to the unsupplemented group, with direct associations between markers of DHA status and visual outcomes.

The Panel concluded that a cause and effect relationship has been established between the intake of infant and follow-on formula supplemented with DHA at levels around 0.3% of total fatty acids and visual function at 12 months in formula-fed infants born at term from birth up to 12 months and in breastfed infants after weaning up to 12 months.

The following wording reflects the scientific evidence: “DHA contributes to the visual development of infants”.

In order to bear the claim a formula should contain at least 0.3% of the total fatty acids as
DHA. The target population is infants (formula-fed infants born at term from birth up to 12 months
and breastfed infants after weaning up to 12 months).

Information sourced from: www.efsa.europa.eu/cs/BlobServer/Scientific_Opinion/nda_op_ej941_art14_0130a_DHA_and_ARA_visual_development_en.pdf?ssbinary=true