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Effect of providing a formula supplemented with long-chain polyunsaturated fatty acids on immunity in full-term

Catherine J Field1, John E Van Aerde, Lindsay E Robinson

  • 1Nutrition and Metabolism Research Group, University of Alberta, Edmonton, Alberta T6G 2P5, Canada. Catherine.field@ualberta.ca

The British Journal of Nutrition
|July 21, 2007
PubMed

Insights

Formula supplemented with long-chain PUFA (LCP) partially restored infant immune responses. Early formula feeding, regardless of LCP, significantly altered immune cell profiles and cytokine production in infants.

Area of Science:

  • Immunology
  • Pediatrics
  • Nutritional Science

Background:

  • Infant immune system development is influenced by early nutrition.
  • Long-chain polyunsaturated fatty acids (LCP) are crucial for immune function.
  • Standard infant formulas may not fully replicate the immune benefits of human milk.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To investigate the impact of LCP-supplemented formula on infant immune responses.
  • To compare immune cell distribution and cytokine production between different feeding groups.
  • To assess the influence of early formula feeding on immune parameters.

Main Methods:

  • Randomized controlled trial comparing standard formula, LCP-supplemented formula, and human milk.
  • Measurement of immune cell proliferation ([3H]thymidine uptake) and cytokine production (TNF-alpha, IL-2, interferon-gamma) after phytohaemagglutinin (PHA) stimulation.
  • Analysis of immune cell populations (e.g., CD3+CD44+, CD4+CD28+, CD11c+, CD14+) at 2 and 6 weeks of age.

Main Results:

  • LCP-supplemented formula partially normalized T-cell proliferation and cytokine profiles compared to standard formula.
  • Infants fed standard formula showed altered immune cell distribution and increased TNF-alpha production.
  • Early formula feeding within the first 10 days of life significantly impacted immune cell percentages and cytokine responses.

Conclusions:

  • LCP supplementation in infant formula can modulate immune cell function towards a profile similar to human milk-fed infants.
  • Early dietary interventions significantly influence the developing infant immune system.
  • These immune changes may have long-term physiological implications for infant health.

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