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Polyunsaturated fatty acids and T-cell function: implications for the neonate
C J Field1, M T Clandinin, J E Van Aerde
1Department of Agricultural, Food and Nutritional Science, University of Alberta, Edmonton, Canada. Catherine.Field@ualberta.ca
Insights
Adding docosahexaenoic acid (DHA) and arachidonic acid (AA) to infant formula enhances immune development. This formula modification improves T-cell maturation and cytokine production in infants, supporting better immune responses.
Area of Science:
- Immunology
- Neonatal Nutrition
- Pediatric Health
Background:
- Infants possess immature immune systems, making them vulnerable to infections and allergies.
- T-lymphocyte function is underdeveloped at birth, impacting immune response capabilities.
- Breast milk contains factors crucial for infant immunity, which are not fully replicated in standard formulas.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the impact of adding docosahexaenoic acid (DHA) and arachidonic acid (AA) to infant formula on immune development.
- To assess the effects of these long-chain polyunsaturated fatty acids on T-cell function and cytokine production in neonates.
Main Methods:
- Infant formula supplemented with DHA and AA was compared to standard formula.
- Functional indices of immune development were measured.
- Changes in T-cell populations (CD45RO+ CD4+ cells) and cytokine production (IL-10, IL-2) were analyzed.
Main Results:
- Formula with DHA + AA increased the proportion of mature T-cells (CD45RO+ CD4+).
- IL-10 production was enhanced, while IL-2 production was reduced.
- Immune markers in infants fed DHA + AA formula approached levels seen in human milk-fed infants.
Conclusions:
- Supplementing infant formula with DHA and AA positively influences infant immune system development.
- These fatty acids may help bridge the gap in immune benefits between formula and breast milk.
- Further research into long-chain polyunsaturated fatty acids for neonatal nutrition is warranted.
Abstract:
Infant survival depends on the ability to respond effectively and appropriately to environmental challenges. Infants are born with a degree of immunological immaturity that renders them susceptible to infection and abnormal dietary responses (allergies). T-lymphocyte function is poorly developed at birth. The reduced ability of infants to respond to mitogens may be the result of the low number of CD45RO+ (memory/antigen-primed) T cells in the infant or the limited ability to produce cytokines [particularly interferon-y, interleukin (IL)-4, and IL-10. There have been many important changes in optimizing breast milk substitutes for infants; however, few have been directed at replacing factors in breast milk that convey immune benefits. Recent research has been directed at the neurological, retinal, and membrane benefits of adding 20:4n-6 (arachidonic acid; AA) and 22:6n-3 (docosahexaenoic acid; DHA) to infant formula. In adults and animals, feeding DHA affects T-cell function. However, the effect of these lipids on the development and function of the infant's immune system is not known. We recently reported the effect of adding DHA + AA to a standard infant formula on several functional indices of immune development. Compared with standard formula, feeding a formula containing DHA + AA increased the proportion of antigen mature (CD45RO+) CD4+ cells, improved IL-10 production, and reduced IL-2 production to levels not different from those of human milk-fed infants. This review will briefly describe T-cell development and the potential immune effect of feeding long-chain polyunsaturated fatty acids to the neonate.