Related Experiment Videos
Addition of long-chain polyunsaturated fatty acids to formula for very low birth weight infants
M T Clandinin1, M L Garg, A Parrott
1Department of Foods and Nutrition, University of Alberta, Edmonton, Canada.
Insights
New infant formula with added fatty acids (LCPE-SMA) improved plasma phospholipid levels in premature infants. This formula promoted balanced omega-3 and omega-6 fatty acid incorporation, similar to breast milk.
Area of Science:
- Neonatal Nutrition
- Pediatric Gastroenterology
- Biochemistry
Background:
- Premature infants (<1500g) require specialized nutrition for optimal growth and development.
- Standard infant formulas may not provide adequate long-chain polyunsaturated fatty acids (LCPUFAs).
- Omega-3 and omega-6 fatty acids are crucial for infant development, particularly in the preterm population.
Purpose of the Study:
- To evaluate the impact of a novel infant formula (LCPE-SMA) enriched with specific omega-3 and omega-6 fatty acids on plasma phospholipid composition in premature infants.
- To compare the fatty acid profiles in infants fed LCPE-SMA, standard formula (SMA-24), and expressed breast milk (EBM).
Main Methods:
- A study involving 34 premature infants (<1500g) fed either SMA-24 formula, LCPE-SMA formula, or EBM.
- Blood samples were collected during the first week and after 28 days of feeding.
- Plasma phospholipid fatty acid content was analyzed to assess nutrient incorporation.
Main Results:
- Infants fed standard SMA-24 formula showed high levels of 18:2 omega-6.
- LCPE-SMA formula normalized plasma phospholipid levels of C20 and C22 omega-6 and omega-3 fatty acids.
- These normalized levels in the LCPE-SMA group were comparable to those in infants fed EBM and significantly higher than in the SMA-24 group.
Conclusions:
- Feeding LCPE-SMA formula effectively balances the incorporation of essential long-chain omega-6 and omega-3 fatty acids in premature infants.
- LCPE-SMA promotes a healthier fatty acid profile in plasma phospholipids, similar to that achieved with expressed breast milk.
- This suggests LCPE-SMA is a beneficial alternative for preterm infants, supporting optimal fatty acid status.
Abstract:
Thirty-four premature infants who were appropriate for gestational age and weighing less than 1500 g at birth were fed "preemie" SMA-24 formula, "preemie" SMA-24 formula manufactured to contain C20 and C22 omega 6 and omega 3 fatty acids (LCPE-SMA), or expressed milk (EBM). Blood samples were drawn from a small arm vein during the first week of life and after 28 days of feeding. The fatty acid content of plasma phospholipids was determined. Infants fed SMA-24 had a high content of 18:2 omega 6 in plasma phospholipids. Feeding LCPE-SMA normalized plasma phospholipid levels of C20 and C22 omega 6 and omega 3 fatty acids to be similar to levels of C20 and C22 omega 6 and omega 3 fatty acids found in infants fed EBM, and significantly higher than characteristic levels for infants fed SMA-24. Feeding LCPE-SMA or EBM results in a balanced incorporation of C20 and C22 omega 6 and omega 3 fatty acids into phospholipids derived from the liver or perhaps the small intestine.