In order to encourage discussions on "polyunsaturated fatty acids" and health, the Brazilian branch of the International Life Sciences Institute (ILSI) promoted the XII International Workshop Series on Foods with Functional Properties and/or Health Claims (28-29 November 2013) which consolidated knowledge, presented scientific advances, and promoted exchange of experiences on "Polyunsaturated Fatty Acids: Health Impacts". Various topics were addressed at this meeting including: nutritional needs and consumption issues; impact on chronic diseases: cardiovascular diseases and cancer; influence on gene expression; immunological system and inflammation; sources of these fatty acids; benefits during pregnancy and childhood; cost and benefit of supplementation; and regulations (legislation). In general terms, the event presented evidence of the benefit of polyunsaturated fatty acids on cardiovascular diseases, pregnancy, breastfeeding, and infant development, as well as possible influence on gene expression, contributing to their relationship with the immunological system and, therefore, inflammatory processes. The Grey Literature

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Human milk provides all the nutrients required by babies during the first six months of their life. Human milk lipids represent the main source of energy, contributing almost 50% of the total energy content. Additionally, fatty acids ensure the correct development of children in the prenatal, postnatal, and infant phases. Docosahexaenoic acid (DHA) is essential for visual and cognitive development, and its presence during childhood can affect long-term health. This study aimed to optimize and validate a methodology for the direct determination of DHA in human milk. We used 20 samples of human milk from lactating women living in the city of Itu, São Paulo, who attended Basic Health Units from September 2019 to September 2020, and a sample of certified reference material from the National Institute of Standards and Technology. The proposed methodology consists of a validated mixed transesterification process without prior lipid extraction, optimized by factorial design. This methodology can be successfully used in human milk samples as it is both precise and accurate. The values of DHA in the sampled milks were similar to those in European countries and lower than those in Asian countries due to diet.

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Human milk provides all the nutrients required by babies during the first six months of their life. Human milk lipids represent the main source of energy, contributing almost 50% of the total energy content. Additionally, fatty acids ensure the correct development of children in the prenatal, postnatal, and infant phases. Docosahexaenoic acid (DHA) is essential for visual and cognitive development, and its presence during childhood can affect long-term health. This study aimed to optimize and validate a methodology for the direct determination of DHA in human milk. We used 20 samples of human milk from lactating women living in the city of Itu, São Paulo, who attended Basic Health Units from September 2019 to September 2020, and a sample of certified reference material from the National Institute of Standards and Technology. The proposed methodology consists of a validated mixed transesterification process without prior lipid extraction, optimized by factorial design. This methodology can be successfully used in human milk samples, as it is both precise and accurate. The values of DHA in the sampled milks were similar to those in other European countries and lower than those in Asian countries due to diet.