LIPID-PEROXIDATION IN HUMAN-MILK AND INFANT FORMULA - EFFECT OF STORAGE, TUBE-FEEDING AND EXPOSURE TO PHOTOTHERAPY

Preformed lipid peroxidation products present in the feed may contribu te to the total reactive oxygen radical load infants have to deal with and may play a role in the pathogenesis of necrotizing enterocolitis and bronchopulmonary dysplasia. In this study, the occurrence of lipid peroxidation in human milk and feeding formulas for preterm babies wa s evaluated in vitro. Free linoleic acid (18:2) and its hydroperoxide (18:2OOH) were measured by gas chromatography mass spectrometry and th e concentration of 18:2OOH and the 18:2OOH/18:2 ratio were used as ind ices of peroxidation. In all feeds peroxidation products were present, but the proportion of peroxidized 18:2 was greater in infant formula. Storage of human milk (+4-degrees-C for four days) increased lipid pe roxidation. Exposure to light during tube feeding increased peroxidati on in infant formula but not in human milk. Different procedures for p reparation, storage and feeding may decrease the concentration of thes e potentially toxic peroxidized lipids in human milk and infant formul a.