INTRODUCTION Docosahexaenoic acid (DHA) is a long-chain polyunsaturated fatty acid (LCPUFA), which plays an important role in the structural development of major membrane constituent of retinal photoreceptors, neurones, and synaptic membrane. It also influences important functions, such as ion transport, receptor activity, enzyme action, and membrane fluidity, thereby improving neurogenesis and synaptogenesis (1-5). Adequate supply of DHA, therefore, needs to be ensured from maternal circulation during embryonic life and from breastmilk/infant diet in early postnatal life (6-9). DHA is formed denovo by conversion of its parent essential fatty acid (EFA)--[alpha]-linolenic acid (LNA, 18:3n-3)--through a series of desaturation and subsequent chain-elongation reactions. Older children and adults consume the ready form of DHA from its animal source, particularly marine fish-oil, and young infants receive DHA through breastmilk (2,8,10).
