Plasma and erythrocyte alpha-tocopherol and plasma retinol concentrations in term infants fed formula enriched with long-chain polyunsaturated fatty acids.
OBJECTIVE
To assess the effect of long-chain polyunsaturated fatty acids (LCPUFA)- and vitamin E-supplemented formula feeding on erythrocyte and plasma alpha-tocopherol (VE), and plasma retinol (VA) concentrations in neonates and to compare these values with those found in infants feeding on infant formula without LCPUFA or breast milk


METHODS
University Hospital of Granada, Spain.


METHODS
49 full-term infants.


METHODS
Subjects who chose not to breast feed were fed either (i) unsupplemented infant formula (F) or (ii) infant formula supplemented with LCPUFA and vitamin E (FL). Alpha-tocopherol and retinol were measured at 7 days, 1 month and 3 months.


RESULTS
Plasma and erythrocyte VE concentrations and plasma VE/total lipids ratio increased significantly in all groups at 1 month of life (P < 0.05), but did not change significantly between 1 month and 3 months in any group (P > 0.05). Erythrocyte VE and VA retinol concentrations were higher in infants fed an infant formula than in breast milk-fed infants at 1 month of life (P < 0.05). Finally, there were no significant differences in plasma or erythrocyte VE levels, plasma VA or plasma VE/total lipid ratio between any groups at 3 months of life (P > 0.05).


CONCLUSIONS
Infants fed on LCPUFA- and vitamin E-supplemented infant formula for 3 months have similar vitamin E and A status to infants fed on breast milk or infant formula without LCPUFA supplementation.
González-Corbella
M J
MJ
Department de Bromatologia i Nutrició-Certa, Facultat de Farmacia, Universitat de Barcelona, Spain.
López-Sabater
M C
MC
Castellote-Bargalló
A I
AI
Campoy-Folgoso
C
C
Rivero-Urgell
M
M
D000328:Adult; D004042:Dietary Fats, Unsaturated / Q000008:administration & dosage*; D004912:Erythrocytes / Q000378:metabolism*; D005231:Fatty Acids, Unsaturated / Q000008:administration & dosage*; D005865:Gestational Age; D006801:Humans; D007225:Infant Food; D007231:Infant, Newborn; D008055:Lipids / Q000097:blood; D008875:Middle Aged; D014801:Vitamin A / Q000097:blood*; D014810:Vitamin E / Q000097:blood*
D004042:Dietary Fats, Unsaturated; D005231:Fatty Acids, Unsaturated; D008055:Lipids; D014801:Vitamin A; D014810:Vitamin E