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Randomised controlled trial of a synthetic triglyceride milk formula for preterm infants
1MRC Childhood Nutrition Research Centre, Institute of Child Health, London.
Insights
Infant formula with structured triglycerides improved palmitate and calcium absorption while reducing calcium soap formation in the gut. This synthetic fat mimics breast milk structure, benefiting preterm infants.
Area of Science:
- Nutritional Science
- Pediatric Nutrition
- Biochemistry
Background:
- Infant formulas often use fats that differ structurally from human milk.
- Fat absorption and mineral bioavailability can be affected by triglyceride structure.
Purpose of the Study:
- To evaluate if infant formula with synthetic structured triglycerides enhances palmitate and calcium absorption.
- To determine if this formula reduces calcium soap formation in the infant gut.
Main Methods:
- A randomized study compared three infant formulas in 24 infants.
- One formula contained Betapol (structured triglyceride) with high 2-position palmitate.
- Balance studies, stool analysis, and dual calcium isotope tracers were used.
Main Results:
- Formula rich in 2-position palmitate significantly improved palmitate (16:0, 18:0) absorption.
- Reduced formation of insoluble calcium soaps in stool was observed.
- Calcium absorption increased from 42% to 57% as measured by dual tracers.
Conclusions:
- Synthetic structured triglycerides mimicking breast milk are effective.
- This approach may improve nutrient absorption in preterm infants.
- Formulas for neonatal intensive care units could benefit from this technology.
Aims:
To test whether use of infant formula containing synthetic structured triglycerides results in: (i) increased palmitate absorption; (ii) increased total fat absorption; (iii) reduction in calcium soap formation in the gut; and hence (iv) increased calcium absorption.
Methods:
A randomised study was made of 24 infants comparing three formulas, one containing the synthetic fat Betapol with 74% of palmitate in the 2-position, which was substantially higher than in the two comparison diets (8.4% and 28%). The hypothesised outcomes were tested using balance studies, detailed chemical analysis of stool specimens and dual calcium isotope tracers (44calcium orally and 46calcium intravenously).
Results:
Three of the four hypotheses were confirmed: use of a formula rich in 2-position palmitate (i) improved palmitate (16:0) and also (18:0) absorption; (ii) reduced the formation of insoluble calcium soaps in the stool; and (iii) improved calcium absorption, determined by the dual tracer technique from 42 (SE 3)% to 57 (7)%.
Conclusion:
Synthetic triglycerides that mimic the stereoisometric structure of those in breast milk may have a valuable role in the design of formulas used for preterm infants in neonatal intensive care units.