Fatty acid balance studies in preterm infants fed formula milk containing long-chain polyunsaturated fatty acids (LCP) II.
A milk formula (Prematil-LCP) containing long-chain polyunsaturated fatty acids (LCP) and with a fatty acid profile closely resembling breast milk has recently been introduced for preterm infants. A double-blind randomized controlled trial was performed comparing fatty acid absorption from Prematil-LCP (n=10) and standard Prematil (n=10). Formula-fed preterm infants underwent 3 d fat balances (once full enteral feeds were established) along with a parallel human milk fed group (n=11). Plasma samples were taken on the last day. Median total fat excretion (absorption, %) was 2.34g kg(-1) (82.0), 2.64g kg(-1) (82.9) and 1.65g kg(-1) (87.8) with Prematil, Prematil-LCP and human milk feeding, respectively. This reflected differences in the excretion and absorption of long-chain saturated fatty acids. All groups excreted detectable LCP. LCP disappearance was higher in infants fed human milk than in those fed Prematil-LCP, particularly for n-6 LCP (p < 0.01). Nevertheless, excreted LCP equated to < 30% dietary intake, with Prematil-LCP feeding. Plasma lipid fatty acid composition reflected differences in dietary LCP intake.
Morgan
C
C
Department of Paediatrics, North Staffordshire Hospital, Nottingham, UK.
Stammers
J
J
Colley
J
J
Spencer
S A
SA
Hull
D
D
D000704:Analysis of Variance; D001942:Breast Feeding; D016001:Confidence Intervals; D004041:Dietary Fats / Q000008:administration & dosage / Q000378:metabolism*; D004311:Double-Blind Method; D005231:Fatty Acids, Unsaturated / Q000008:administration & dosage* / Q000378:metabolism; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D007225:Infant Food; D007227:Infant Nutritional Physiological Phenomena; D007231:Infant, Newborn; D007234:Infant, Premature; D008297:Male
D004041:Dietary Fats; D005231:Fatty Acids, Unsaturated