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Lipid digestion and absorption in early life: an update

Susanne Lindquist1, Olle Hernell

  • 1Department of Clinical Sciences/Pediatrics, Umeå University, Umeå, Sweden. susanne.lindquist@pediatri.umu.se

Current Opinion in Clinical Nutrition and Metabolic Care
|February 25, 2010
PubMed

Insights

Newborns digest and absorb dietary fats differently than adults, utilizing distinct lipases and absorption phases. Understanding these unique infant processes is crucial for neonatal nutrition.

Area of Science:

  • Neonatal Physiology
  • Gastrointestinal Metabolism
  • Lipid Biochemistry

Background:

  • Dietary lipid digestion and absorption are fundamental for infant growth and development.
  • Understanding variations in neonatal gastrointestinal function is key to optimizing nutrition.
  • Existing knowledge often extrapolates adult physiology to infants, potentially overlooking unique adaptations.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To elucidate the distinct mechanisms of dietary lipid digestion in newborn infants.
  • To compare and contrast lipid absorption processes in neonates with those in older children and adults.
  • To highlight the implications of these differences for neonatal nutrition strategies.

Main Methods:

  • Review of current literature on neonatal lipid digestion and absorption.
  • Comparative analysis of enzymatic activity (lipases) and bile salt concentrations.
  • Examination of physical-chemical properties of lipid digestion products and absorption pathways.

Main Results:

  • Newborns exhibit lower concentrations of pancreatic triglyceride lipase (PTL) and bile salts.
  • Bile salt-stimulated lipase (BSSL) and gastric lipase are primary enzymes for infant fat digestion.
  • Lipid absorption in neonates may involve different physical-chemical phases and extended mucosal surfaces.
  • Infant chylomicron assembly and secretion show specific adaptations.

Conclusions:

  • Neonatal lipid digestion and absorption pathways significantly differ from adult processes.
  • The specific lipases and absorption phases employed by infants represent a unique physiological adaptation.
  • Further research is needed to understand the reasons behind these differences and their impact on neonatal nutrition.
Abstract

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