Abstract
BackgroundPalm olein is used in infant formula fat blends in order to match the fatty acid profile of human milk. While the effects on fatty acid balance have been evaluated, the use of palm olein in combination with palm kernel oil and supplementation with docosahexaenoic acid (DHA) and arachidonic acid (ARA) has not been similarly assessed in infants. This study evaluated the effects of infant formulas containing different fat compositions on the balance of fat, fatty acids, and calcium.MethodsIn this randomized, crossover, double-blinded study, 33 healthy term infants (68–159 ± 3 days of age at enrollment) were fed two formulas for 14 days in a tolerance period, followed by a 4-day metabolic balance period in 17 of the male subjects. The study compared two commercially available milk-based powdered formulas in Brazil; the PALM formula contained palm olein (44%), kernel palm oil (21.7%), and canola oil (18.5%) as the predominant fats, whereas the NoPALM formula contained other fat sources.ResultsFat absorption (%) was greater for NoPALM versus PALM-fed infants (96.55 and 95.50%, respectively; p = 0.023). The absorption percentage of palmitic acid (C16:0) did not differ significantly between formulas (p > 0.05), but this acid was excreted at significantly higher concentrations in the PALM (29.42 mg/kg/day) than in the NoPALM (12.28 mg/kg/day) formula groups. DHA and ARA absorption percentages were also higher in NoPALM-fed infants. Calcium absorption was higher in NoPALM-fed infants (58.00%) compared to those fed PALM (40.90%), but the difference was not significant (p = 0.104) when calcium intake was used as a covariate. However, calcium retention was higher in NoPALM-fed infants compared to that in PALM-fed infants with or without calcium intake as a covariate. Adverse events did not differ between groups (p > 0.05).ConclusionsThe absorption of essential fatty acids was similar for both formulas; however, long-chain polyunsaturated fatty acids (DHA and ARA) were better absorbed from the NoPALM formula. Fat absorption and calcium retention were lower in term infants fed the PALM-based formula.Clinical trial registrationClinicaltrial.gov # NCT00941564.
Highlights
Palm olein is used in infant formula fat blends in order to match the fatty acid profile of human milk
The results showed that, formulas containing a mixture of palm olein, palm kernel oil, and canola oil (PALM) provide proportions of palmitic acid similar to those of human milk fat, they result in significantly lower absorption of fat and retention of calcium by infants compared with a blend of sunflower, coconut, and soy oils (NoPALM) (Tables 1 and 4)
The use of powdered formula that is free of palm olein and palm kernel oil is associated with improved intestinal absorption of the major fatty acids and total fat, as well as calcium retention
Summary
Palm olein is used in infant formula fat blends in order to match the fatty acid profile of human milk. This study evaluated the effects of infant formulas containing different fat compositions on the balance of fat, fatty acids, and calcium. In human milk as well as most infant formulas, 50% of the dietary calories are supplied to the newborn as fat, and more than 98% of milk fat is in the form of triglycerides, which contain saturated, monounsaturated, and polyunsaturated fatty acids of varying chain lengths esterified to glycerol [1]. Infant formulas should provide indispensable fatty acids in amounts at least equal to the reference fat (i.e., breast milk), irrespective of source [1,2,3]. The blends of vegetable oils used in infant formulas are selected to match the excellent absorption by the infant of breast milk fat, but aside from the absence of long-chain polyunsaturated fatty acids (LCPUFA), they differ considerably from human milk fat in their fatty acid profiles. The positional distribution of individual fatty acids on the triacylglyceride molecules, which affects fat absorption, differs between these vegetable oils and human milk fat [7]
Sign-in/Register to view highlights & summary Sign-in/Register to access full text options 
Talk to us
Join us for a 30 min session where you can share your feedback and ask us any queries you have
Schedule a callDisclaimer: All third-party content on this website/platform is and will remain the property of their respective owners and is provided on "as is" basis without any warranties, express or implied. Use of third-party content does not indicate any affiliation, sponsorship with or endorsement by them. Any references to third-party content is to identify the corresponding services and shall be considered fair use under The CopyrightLaw.
