title: Fatty acid composition of plasma and red cell phospholipids of preterm babies fed on breast milk and formulae.
abstract: Fatty acids of plasma and red cells of preterm babies, gestational age 28-33 weeks, weighing less than 2200 g were studied between birth and the expected date of delivery (EDD). Babies were fed either mothers' breast milk, or if they were unable, or chose not to breast-feed, randomly assigned to milk formula A or B. Milk B had 26% oleic acid, 0.5% docosahexaenoic acid (DHA) and 0.12% arachidonic (AA); A had 13% oleic acid, less than 0.05% AA and no DHA. The proportions of gamma linoleic and the other fatty acids, and the ratio of linoleic acid (LA)/alpha linolenic acid (ALA) were comparable in the two formulae. Diet and/or physiological adaptation seemed to be responsible for the significant changes in the proportions of certain fatty acids between birth and EDD. Incorporation of DHA in formula B increased its concentration in plasma and red cells, and reduced the conversion of LA to AA. With respect to maintenance of DHA status, milk B was superior to milk A but did not match breast milk.
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  Fortification of formula with DHA without concomitant incorporation of AA may precipitate AA insufficiency and may have developmental implications.
authors.affiliation: Institute of Brain Chemistry and Human Nutrition, Queen Elizabeth Hospital for Children, London, UK.
authors.forename: K
authors.initials: K
authors.lastname: Ghebremeskel
authors.forename: M
authors.initials: M
authors.lastname: Leighfield
authors.forename: A
authors.initials: A
authors.lastname: Leaf
authors.forename: K
authors.initials: K
authors.lastname: Costeloe
authors.forename: M
authors.initials: M
authors.lastname: Crawford
mesh_terms: D001095:Arachidonic Acids / Q000032:analysis; D001942:Breast Feeding; D015331:Cohort Studies; D004281:Docosahexaenoic Acids / Q000032:analysis; D004910:Erythrocyte Membrane / Q000737:chemistry*; D005228:Fatty Acids, Essential / Q000032:analysis; D005231:Fatty Acids, Unsaturated / Q000032:analysis*; D006801:Humans; D007225:Infant Food; D007231:Infant, Newborn; D007234:Infant, Premature / Q000097:blood*; D010743:Phospholipids / Q000097:blood / Q000737:chemistry*
chemical_list: D001095:Arachidonic Acids; D005228:Fatty Acids, Essential; D005231:Fatty Acids, Unsaturated; D010743:Phospholipids; D004281:Docosahexaenoic Acids