Long Chain Polyunsaturated Fatty Acids (LC - PUFAs) are important components of breast milk and are essential for babies to develop properly. The main LC - PUFAs are:

• Arachidonic acid C20:4ω6 (AA), a precursor of which is γ-linolenic acid C18:3ω6
• Docosahexaenoic acid C22:6ω3 (DHA)

These lipids are important because:

• They are important structural blocks for cell membranes.
• They are vital for the biosynthesis of various hormones (eg prostaglandins, thromboxanes and leukotrienes).
• Studies have shown that enriching a baby's diet with ω-3 polyunsaturated fatty acids plays an important role in the proper development of the baby’s sight.
• ω-3 and ω-6 polyunsaturated fatty acids are essential for the normal development of the human body’s central nervous system.
• Newborns (especially premature babies) have been shown to have a reduced ability to produce these nutrients. This is why it is necessary for them to get these important nutrients from external sources.
• Breast milk is the best source of ω3 and ω6 fatty acids. Studies have shown that mothers’ dietary habits affect the fatty acid content of breast milk.