Fatty acid balance studies in preterm infants fed formula milk containing long‐chain polyunsaturated fatty acids (LCP) II

Abstract

A milk formula (Prematil‐LCP) containing long‐chain polyunsaturated fatty acids (LCP) and with a fatty acid profile closely resembling breast milk has recently been introduced for preterm infants. A double‐blind randomized controlled trial was performed comparing fatty acid absorption from Prematil‐LCP (n= 10) and standard Prematil (n= 10). Formula‐fed preterm infants underwent 3 d fat balances (once full enteral feeds were established) along with a parallel human milk fed group (n= 11). Plasma samples were taken on the last day. Median total fat excretion (absorption, %) was 2.34 g kg (82.0), 2.64 g kg (82.9) and 1.65 g kg (87.8) with Prematil, Prematil‐LCP and human milk feeding, respectively. This reflected differences in the excretion and absorption of long‐chain saturated fatty acids. All groups excreted detectable LCP. LCP disappearance was higher in infants fed human milk than in those fed Prematil‐LCP, particularly for n‐6 LCP (p <0:01). Nevertheless, excreted LCP equated to <30% dietary intake, with Prematil‐LCP feeding. Plasma lipid fatty acid composition reflected differences in dietary LCP intake.