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Fatty acid balance studies in term infants fed formula milk containing long-chain polyunsaturated fatty acids
C Morgan1, L Davies, F Corcoran
1Department of Paediatrics, North Staffordshire Hospital, Stoke-on-Trent, UK.
Insights
Newborns fed Aptamil-LCP showed better fat absorption than those on standard formula. This study highlights improved fatty acid absorption in term infants using LCP-enriched formula.
Area of Science:
- Nutritional Science
- Pediatric Nutrition
- Infant Development
Background:
- Long-chain polyunsaturated fatty acids (LCP) are crucial for infant nervous system development.
- A new formula, Aptamil-LCP, mimics breast milk's fatty acid profile for term infants.
Purpose of the Study:
- To compare fatty acid absorption in term infants fed Aptamil-LCP versus standard Aptamil.
- To evaluate LCP utilization and plasma phospholipid fatty acid composition.
Main Methods:
- Double-blind randomized controlled trial comparing Aptamil-LCP (n=20) and standard Aptamil (n=20).
- Fat balance studies and 3-day stool collections performed from day 10.
- Plasma samples collected on day 6 for fatty acid analysis.
Main Results:
- Aptamil-LCP group exhibited significantly higher total fat absorption (p < 0.01) than the standard Aptamil group.
- Differences in absorption were mainly due to long-chain saturated fatty acids (C14:0, C16:0, C18:0).
- Plasma LCP levels were highest in breastfed infants, lowest in standard formula-fed, and intermediate in Aptamil-LCP-fed infants.
Conclusions:
- Aptamil-LCP enhances overall fat absorption in term infants compared to standard formula.
- LCP utilization from Aptamil-LCP appears comparable to breast milk.
- Formula composition significantly impacts infant fatty acid absorption and plasma levels.
Abstract:
Long-chain polyunsaturated fatty acids (LCP) are thought to be required for optimal nervous system development in the newborn. A commercial milk formula containing LCP (Aptamil-LCP) with a fatty acid profile closely resembling breast milk, has recently been introduced for term infants. The absorption of fatty acids in term infants was examined in a double-blind randomized controlled trial comparing Aptamil-LCP (n = 20) and standard Aptamil (n = 20). Formula-fed newborn infants were studied from birth for 14 d. Fat balances (3 d) were performed from d 10. A 3-d stool collection was performed from d 10 in a parallel breastfed group (n = 21). Plasma samples were taken on d 6. Median fat excretion (mg kg[-1]) was 897.1, 615.0 and 355.2 with Aptamil, Aptamil-LCP and breastfeeding, respectively. The median total fat absorption coefficient in Aptamil-LCP-fed infants was higher than in those fed standard Aptamil (p < 0.01). These findings were accounted for by differences in the excretion and absorption of long-chain saturated fatty acids (C14:0, C16:0 and C18:0). Higher fat excretion was associated with bulkier and firmer stools. Only trace amounts of LCP were detected in the stools of all groups. This accounted for less than 4% of dietary intake in Aptamil-LCP-fed infants. No differences in the utilization of LCP from Aptamil-LCP and breast milk feeding were apparent. Plasma phospholipid fatty acid composition data reflected differences in dietary LCP intake. Thus, PL LCP levels were highest in the breastfed infants and lowest in the Aptamil-fed infants, with values for the Aptamil-LCP-fed group falling in between.