DEVELOPMENT, INTAKE AND ACCEPTABILITY OF A DHA-ENRICHED MILK DRINK FOR PREGNANT AND LACTATING WOMEN

DHA is a critical nutrient for pregnant and lactating women, with important functions in brain development and sight acuity of the newborn. In Chile, DHA intake represents less than 30% of the international recommendation for pregnancy. The objective of this study was to design and evaluate a milk drink for pregnant and lactating women, containing 60 mg of DHA and 11 mg of EPA per 200 ml portion, plus other added vitamins and minerals. A cohort of 177 pregnant women received 2 kg/month of the milk drink and compared to a group of 175 women receiving the regular milk distributed by the National Complementary Feeding Program (PNAC), consisting of whole milk powder (26% fat) fortified with Fe, Zn, and Vitamin C. Evaluation included acceptability tests, tolerance, and intake of both milks, and measurements were performed at two moments during pregnancy, and after two months of lactation. Both milks had good evaluations in their organoleptic characteristics. Average intake for both groups was 1.8 +/- 1 cup per day, lower than the three cups per day that were originally defined for the study. During pregnancy, sensory evaluation was better, and intake was higher, than with the regular whole milk, although these differences were not significant from a biological standpoint. During lactation, there were no differences among any of the evaluated parameters. The developed milk drink constitutes a good alternative for improving DHA intake during pregnancy and lactation.