Which fatty acids are particularly important in human milk and why?

DHA (docosahexaenoic acid) and ARA (arachidonic acid) are crucial fatty acids found in human milk because they play a significant role in the development of the brain and retina. The brain is composed of approximately 60% fat, and a substantial proportion of this fat is in the form of DHA. This fatty acid is essential for the formation of neural membranes, which supports cognitive function and visual acuity.

ARA, also abundant in human milk, is involved in several vital physiological processes, including the development of the central nervous system and the inflammatory response. Adequate levels of both DHA and ARA in an infant's diet are linked to improved neurological outcomes and overall growth, further highlighting their importance during the early stages of development when the brain and retina undergo rapid growth.

Other fatty acids mentioned, while beneficial in their own right, do not have the same specific roles or strong evidence supporting their critical impact on brain and retinal development as DHA and ARA do.