Modulating Sterol Concentrations in Infant Formula Influences Cholesterol Absorption and Synthesis in the Neonatal...

Area of Science:

• Nutritional Biochemistry
• Pediatric Nutrition
• Metabolic Research

Background:

• Formula-fed infants exhibit distinct cholesterol metabolism compared to breast-fed infants, with higher synthesis rates and lower circulating levels.
• Infant formulas contain vegetable oils rich in phytosterols (PS), which structurally resemble cholesterol and may impact its absorption.
• The precise mechanisms by which PS influence infant cholesterol metabolism remain incompletely understood.

Purpose of the Study:

• To investigate the inhibitory effects of phytosterols (PS) on cholesterol absorption in a piglet model during postnatal feeding.
• To determine how PS in infant formula affects cholesterol synthesis and absorption markers.

Main Methods:

• A 7-day-old piglet model was utilized, feeding them milk-based formulas with varying phytosterol (PS) and cholesterol levels for 21 days.
• Apparent cholesterol digestibility was assessed in ileal digesta.
• Cholesterol, PS, and cholesterol synthesis markers (including hepatic lathosterol-to-cholesterol ratio and SREBP2 expression) were analyzed in plasma and liver samples.

Main Results:

• Piglets fed low phytosterol (PS) formulas showed increased ileal cholesterol digestibility.
• Hepatic cholesterol synthesis rates, indicated by the lathosterol-to-cholesterol (L:C) ratio, were decreased in piglets fed low PS formulas.
• Reduced nuclear expression of SREBP2 was observed in piglets fed low PS formulas compared to high PS formulas, suggesting inhibited cholesterol synthesis.

Conclusions:

• Phytosterols (PS) present in infant formula appear to inhibit cholesterol absorption and stimulate cholesterol synthesis.
• These findings support the hypothesis that PS influences infant cholesterol metabolism.
• Further investigation is required to ascertain if early exposure to PS via formula leads to long-term programming of cholesterol synthesis.