Serum cholesterol ester fatty acids in 7-and 13-month-old children in a prospective randomized trial of a low-saturated fat, low-cholesterol diet: the STRIP baby project

To evaluate changes that occur in serum cholesterol ester fatty acid compos ition during the transition from typical infant feeding to a more adult typ e of nutrition, this study compared the effects on serum cholesterol ester fatty acids of breast milk or formula at the age of 7 mo with effects cause d by 6-mo dietary intervention in 137 children. The intervention [Special T urku coronary Risk factor Intervention Project for children (STRIP baby pro ject)] aimed at a reduction of saturated fat intake to 10% of energy after the age of 1 y without purposefully influencing total fat intake. Nutrient intakes were calculated from 3-d food records. At the age of 7 mo, i.e. bef ore dietary education began, milk type markedly influenced dietary and seru m cholesterol ester fatty acid composition (mean serum cholesterol ester 16 :0 in breastfed vs formula-fed infants, 13.7% vs 12.0%, respectively, p < 0 .001; serum cholesterol eater 18:2n-6 50.6% vs 57.6%, p < 0.001). At the ag e of 13 mo the calculated fat intake of the intervention and control childr en differed markedly but serum cholesterol ester fatty acid compositions in all children resembled closely those measured in 7-mo-old breastfed infant s, e.g. at the age of 13 mo the relative proportions of 18:2n-6 were 49.9% and 51.1% in previously formula-fed intervention and control children, resp ectively, and 50.3% and 50.1% in previously breastfed intervention and cont rol children. respectively. In conclusion, serum cholesterol ester fatty ac id composition reflected differences in dietary fat quality (breast milk or formula) at the age of 7 mo, whereas dietary intervention as applied in th e STRIP baby project had only a minimal effect.