An adequate ingestion of essential fatty acids is required for optimal development of the central nervous system and visual acuity in infants. For breast feeding mothers, it is important that a diet containing an adequate balance of essential fatty acids of the n-6 and n-3 series be consumed as this is reflected in breast milk. The objective of this investigation was to determine the essential fatty acid status of breast feeding women and their infants in Havana, Cuba, with particular focus on the n-3 series. The group of 56 Cuban mothers and infants under investigation did not show biochemical or functional signs of poor essential fatty acid status. Based on the biochemical and functional data collected, it is conceivable to conclude that n-3 fatty acid deficiencies must be exceedingly rare, if they exist at all, in the population of breast feeding women and their infants residing in Havana, Cuba. (Abstract shortened by UMI.)

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