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Effect of medium-chain triglycerides on calbindin-D9k expression in the intestine
1Department of Paediatrics, University of British Columbia, Vancouver, Canada.
Insights
Medium-chain triglycerides (MCT) in infant formula significantly increase intestinal calbindin-D9k mRNA expression in piglets. This study provides the first evidence of MCT
Area of Science:
- Nutritional Biochemistry
- Molecular Biology
- Infant Nutrition
Background:
- The source of saturated fat in infant formula can influence nutrient absorption and gene expression.
- Calbindin-D9k (CaBP-9k) is a key protein involved in calcium absorption in the intestine.
- Understanding the impact of different fat sources on CaBP-9k is crucial for optimizing infant formula.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the effect of various saturated fat sources in infant formula on intestinal calbindin-D9k (CaBP-9k) mRNA expression in piglets.
- To compare the impact of medium-chain triglycerides (MCT), coconut oil, palm oil, and synthesized palm oil triglycerides on CaBP-9k levels.
Main Methods:
- Piglets were fed from birth to 8 days with either sow milk or infant formula containing different saturated fatty acid profiles.
- Fat sources included medium-chain triglycerides (MCT), coconut oil, palm oil (Palm 1), and synthesized triglycerides with specific 16:0 positioning (Palm 2).
- Intestinal CaBP-9k mRNA levels were quantified using molecular techniques.
Main Results:
- Formula supplemented with medium-chain triglycerides (MCT) resulted in significantly higher intestinal CaBP-9k mRNA levels compared to other formulas and milk (P < 0.01).
- Palm oil (Palm 1) led to higher CaBP-9k mRNA levels than the synthesized palm oil (Palm 2).
- This study presents the first evidence that MCT influences piglet intestinal CaBP-9k mRNA expression.
Conclusions:
- The saturated fat composition of infant formula, particularly the inclusion of MCT, significantly impacts intestinal calbindin-D9k mRNA expression in piglets.
- MCT appears to be a beneficial fat source for enhancing CaBP-9k expression, potentially influencing calcium absorption.
- Further research is warranted to elucidate the mechanisms and long-term implications of these findings for infant development.
Abstract:
These studies determined the effect of the saturated fat source in infant formula on the expression of calbindin-D9k (CaBP-9k). Piglets were fed from birth to 8 d with milk or formula containing saturated fatty acids as medium-chain triglycerides (MCT), coconut oil, palm oil (Palm 1), or synthesized triglycerides with 16:0 directed to the sn-2 position (Palm 2). Levels of intestinal CaBP-9k mRNA were significantly (P < 0.01) higher in piglets fed formula with MCT than in piglets fed the other formula or milk; and higher in piglets fed the Palm-1 than in piglets fed Palm-2 formula. This is the first evidence that MCT alter piglet intestinal CaBP-9k mRNA.