OMEGA-3 FATTY ACIO STATUS IN PRETERM INFANTS

Abstract

During the last trimester of gestation substantial accretion of long chain PUFA, especially 22:6n-3, takes place in fetal brain. Human milk provides 10-20 mg/dl of 22;6n-3, whereas infant formulas contain no 22-carbon PUFA. We present preliminary results on tatty acid status in 18 preterm infants (birthweight 630-1380 g) and six full term infants fed varying length of time with human milk. Plasma and RBC phospholipid fatty acid compositions were analysed by capillary gas chromatography at 1, 4, 12 and 24 wks. The content of 22:6n-3 in banked human milk was 0.2 to 0.6% of the total FAs, while 22:6n-3 was not detected in formulas marketed. The average breast feeding time in preterm infants was was 3.3 mos (range 1 to 6 mos). Three of the full term babies were formula fed from the beginning. Four of the preterm and three of the full term infants were still on breast milk at 24 wks. The preliminary results showed that preterm infants formula fed had lower content of long chain PUFA in plasma and RBC phospholipids at 12 and 24 wks than those breast fed. The duration of breast feeding had the strongest association with the plasma and RBC 22:6n-3. Similar association was also seen in full term infants These results support the view that long chain n-3 PUFA should be incorporated in infant formulas in a composition that would reflect the fatty acid content of human milk.