The importance of dietary lipids during infancy is paramount for rapid growth and development. Linoleic
acid (LA), a-linolenic acid (ALA), eicosapentaenoic acid (EPA), docosahexaenoic acid (DHA) and arachidonic
acid (AA) were quantified using RP-HPLC with charged aerosol detection in a range of complementary
infant foods and formula milk. Total daily intake of fatty acids for infants aged 6–9 months was
calculated based on the consumption of complementary infant foods and formula milk. Total daily
intakes of ALA, AA and DHA were below, whereas LA was above the recommended intake. This provides
scope for product optimisation, to improve the nutritive value of commercial infant food products. The
impact of re-heating treatments by parents on fatty acid content of formula milk was investigated and
statistically significant changes were observed. Furthermore, the transparency of the labelling information
declared by the manufacturers was within recommendations despite a degree of significant
variation.