Modeling linoleic acid and alpha‐linolenic acid requirements for infants and young children in developing countries

Essential fatty acids ((EFAs), linoleic acid (LA) and alpha‐linolenic acid (ALA)) play a critical role in growth and development of infants and young children. However, national guidelines for recommended intakes of EFAs are lacking in most countries. Objectives To model EFAs recommendations for children aged 6–23 months in developing countries. Methods WHO/FAO report adequate intakes (AIs) for ALA to be 0.4–0.6 % of energy for children 6–23 months of age and 3.0–4.5% of energy for LA. WHO/FAO daily energy requirements are associated with body weight. Mathematical models were used to simulate the AI of these EFAs using the median body weight of the WHO Growth Standard Population (boys and girls combined). Results The new AI for ALA is equivalent to 0.3–0.4, 0.3–0.5 and 0.4–0.6 g/day, and the AI for LA is equivalent to 2.1–3.2, 2.4–3.5 and 2.8–4.2 g/day for children aged 6–8, 9–11 and 12–23 months, respectively. Due to higher needs for EFAs of malnourished children, it might not be appropriate to estimate needs based on body weights lower than the median of the WHO Growth Standard. The upper levels of these AIs are lower than or equal to those in North America (ALA: 0.5 and 0.7 g/day and, LA: 4.6 and 7 g/day for children aged 6–12 months and 1–3 years, respectively). Conclusion The WHO/FAO AIs (g/day) calculated here for ALA and LA can serve as a guideline for developing countries for setting national standards.