47 STRUCTURAL POSITION AND AMOUNT OF PALMITIC ACID IN INFANT FORMULAS: EFFECTS ON FAT AND MINERAL BALANCE

Abstract

The effect of the structural position and amount of palmitic acid on fat absorption and mineral balances were investigated in three groups of each 9 healthy term infants. Three formulas were compared: (a) formula 1, resembling most closely the structure of human milk fat (23% palmitic acid; 69% esterified at sn-2 position); (b) formula 2, an intermediate type of formula (23% palmitic acid; 39% esterified at sn-2 position); (c) formula 3, a currently marketed control formula (18% palmitic acid; 11% esterified at sn-2 position). The total amount of sn-2 palmitate was higher in formula 2 than in formula 3, while the amount of sn-1,3 was similar in these two feedings. The infants were randomly assigned to receive one of the three infant formulas exclusively from birth until at least five weeks of life. Seventy-two hour macronutrient and mineral balances were performed during the fifth week. A formula containing palmitic acid predominantly al the sn-2 position has significant beneficial effects on the intestinal absorption of fat and improves calcium balance in healthy term infants.