This is a real-world medical entrance exam question, please give the true answer based on the question and selection. Topic name: None, Subject name: Social & Preventive Medicine
Fatty acid characterstically present in breast milk and essential for baby growth - 
Select and explain. 
A. Linoliec acid, B. Palmitic acid, C. Arachidonic acid, D. Docosahexaenoic acid
D: Docosahexaenoic acid
Answer: D: Docosahexaenoic acid 
Explanation: Ans. is 'd' i.e., Docosahexaenoic acid o Up to 5-10% of fatty acids in human milk are polyunsaturated. Most of these are linoleic acid with smaller amounts of linolenic acid. o Linoleic acid --> gives rise to Arachidonic acid o Linolenic acid --> gives rise to Docosahexaenoic acid o Docosahexaenoic acid is found in human milk and brain lipids and is required for the development of our nervous system and visual abilities during the first six months of life. o Lack of sufficient Docosahexaenoic acid may be associated with impaired mental and visual functioning as well as attention deficit hyperactivity disorder.