Infant formulas that contain DHA are now available in the United States. "This would be an excellent alternative for women who chose to not breastfeed," says Dr. Salem.

However, he notes that there are many differences between breast milk and formula. "For lipids, the ease of digestion and the efficiency of the milk fat globule particle (the source of fat in human milk) cannot be duplicated by formula. Despite these limitations, infants that receive formulas that contain DHA have performed as well as breastfed babies in most randomized controlled trials where there was also this (uncontrolled) reference group."

One such company which has several infant formulas on the market containing DHA is Mead Johnson. Their Enfamil Lipil line of infant formula is the first in the United States to include DHA and ARA in quantities similar to those found in breast milk, says the company. For more information about their products, log on to www.Enfamil.com.