Breast Milk in Balkan Region Falls Short on DHA, Even With Supplements
Researchers studied 128 breastfeeding mothers in Serbia, Montenegro, and North Macedonia to see how much DHA (an important omega-3 fat) was present in their breast milk, and how this related to their diet and use of supplements.
They found that seafood consumption was very low, meeting only about 28% of recommended intake, and that overall omega-3 intake was less than half of recommended levels while DHA intake was under 5% of the recommended amount. Breast milk DHA levels were below the 0.3% threshold considered ideal for infant brain and eye development, averaging only 0.149–0.165%.
Notably, women who reported taking standard DHA supplements during lactation did not have meaningfully higher breast milk DHA levels than those who did not supplement, suggesting that typical supplementation practices in the region weren’t enough to close the gap.
What this means for you
This study highlights that low dietary DHA intake — especially low seafood consumption — can lead to breast milk DHA levels below the range associated with optimal infant development, and that standard supplementation approaches in this population didn’t appear to fully correct the shortfall. It underscores why the amount and consistency of omega-3 intake during pregnancy and breastfeeding matters, and why some nursing mothers may want to discuss their omega-3 status and intake with a healthcare provider.
Ready to start? The ALP Protocol delivers the EPA & DHA doses used in the research.
Start the ALP ProtocolThis summary is for educational purposes only and is not medical advice. Always talk to your healthcare provider before making changes to your supplement routine.