FATTY-ACID BALANCE STUDIES IN TERM INFANTS FED FORMULA MILK CONTAINING LONG-CHAIN POLYUNSATURATED FATTY-ACIDS

Long-chain polyunsaturated fatty acids (LCP) are thought to be require d for optimal nervous system development in the newborn. A commercial milk formula containing LCP (Aptamil-LCP) with a fatty acid profile cl osely resembling breast milk, has recently been introduced for term in fants. The absorption of fatty acids in term infants was examined in a double-blind randomized controlled trial comparing Aptamil LCP (n = 2 0) and standard Aptamil (n = 20). Formula-fed newborn infants were stu died from birth for 14 d. Fat balances (3 d) were performed from d 10. A 3-d stool collection was performed from d 10 in a parallel breastfe d group (n = 21). Plasma samples were taken on d 6. Median fat excreti on (mg kg(-1)) was 897.1, 615.0 and 355.2 with Aptamil, Aptamil LCP an d breastfeeding, respectively. The median total fat absorption coeffic ient in Aptamil-LCP-fed infants was higher than in those fed standard Aptamil (p < 0.01), These findings were accounted for by differences i n the excretion and absorption of long-chain saturated fatty acids (C1 4:0, C16:0 and C18:0). Higher fat excretion was associated with bulkie r and firmer stools. Only trace amounts of LCP were detected in the st ools of all groups. This accounted for less than 4% of dietary intake in Aptamil-LCP-fed infants. No differences in the utilization of LCP f rom Aptamil-LCP and breast milk feeding were apparent. Plasma phosphol ipid fatty acid composition data reflected differences in dietary LCP intake. Thus, Pi, LCP levels were highest in the breastfed infants and lowest in the Aptamil-fed infants, with values for the Aptamil-LCP-fe d group falling in between.