Much attention is given to studies on the functional effects of essential fatty acids in maternal milk and infant milk formulas. For premature children it is recommended that infant milk formulas should contain adequate n-3 /n-6 fatty acids levels in order to prevent e.g. a retarded development of visual acuity in infants. Whether a-term children should also use milk formulas supplemented with these fatty acids is still under debate and research is in progress on this subject. In view of this issue it becomes important to stimulate more studies on the essential fatty acids status and needs during pregnancy with special emphasis on foetal and child development. Studies should concentrate both on intra-uterine growth retardation and on neural development of the infant using e.g. visual acuity assessments.