Essential fatty acid metabolism and requirements for LBW infants.
Humans are unable to synthesize linoleic acid (LA) (18:2 omega-6) and alpha-linolenic acid (LNA) (18:3 omega-3). Most formulas provide ample LA, yet infants are at risk for omega-3 deficiency unless they are fed human milk. Neonates born at 30 weeks received human milk or were randomized to three formulas: formula A, based on corn oil, similar to old commercial formula; formula B, based on soy oil supplied LNA; or formula C, a product similar to B with added marine oil to provide docosahexaenoic acid (22:6 omega-3). The fatty acids of plasma and red blood cells had marked diet-induced differences. The rod photo-receptor tests demonstrated higher threshold and decreased sensitivity in the omega-3-deficient infants. Visual acuity also showed improved function of the brain cortex in the human milk and group C infants at follow-up at 57 weeks. These results suggest that omega-3 fatty acids are needed for optimal development of visual function.
Uauy-Dagach
R
R
Clinical Nutrition Unit, Institute of Nutrition and Food Technology (INTA), University of Chile, Santiago.
Mena
P
P
Hoffman
D R
DR
D004281:Docosahexaenoic Acids / Q000378:metabolism; D004596:Electroretinography; D005228:Fatty Acids, Essential / Q000378:metabolism*; D005231:Fatty Acids, Unsaturated / Q000378:metabolism*; D006801:Humans; D007230:Infant, Low Birth Weight / Q000378:metabolism*; D007231:Infant, Newborn; D009751:Nutritional Requirements; D017948:Retinal Rod Photoreceptor Cells / Q000502:physiology; D014792:Visual Acuity; D017962:alpha-Linolenic Acid / Q000378:metabolism
D005228:Fatty Acids, Essential; D005231:Fatty Acids, Unsaturated; D017962:alpha-Linolenic Acid; D004281:Docosahexaenoic Acids