Abstract
Most preterm infant formulas contain medium-chain triacylglycerols (MCT), but the effects of MCT on polyunsaturated fatty acid status and metabolism are controversial. Thus, we studied the effects of MCT on linoleic acid metabolism using stable isotopes. Enterally fed preterm infants were randomized to receive for 7 days 40% of fat as MCT (n = 10) or a formula without MCT (n = 9). At study day 5, infants received orally 2 mg/kg body weight of (13)C-labeled linoleic acid. Fatty acids in plasma lipid classes and (13)C enrichment of phospholipid fatty acids were measured and tracer oxidation was monitored. Compared with the control group, the MCT group showed lower breath (13)CO(2) and higher plasma triacylglycerol contents of octanoic acid, of decanoic acid, and of total long-chain polyunsaturated fatty acids (57.1 +/- 4.4 micro mol/l vs. 37.9 +/- 4.8 micro mol/l, P < 0.01). Concentrations of several polyunsaturated fatty acids in plasma phospholipids and non esterified fatty acids were higher in the MCT group. (13)C concentrations in phospholipid n-6 fatty acids indicated no difference in the relative conversion of linoleic to arachidonic acid. We conclude that oral MCT effectively reduce polyunsaturated fatty acid and long chain polyunsaturated fatty acid oxidation in preterm infants without compromising endogenous n-6 long chain polyunsaturated fatty acid synthesis.
Highlights
Most preterm infant formulas contain mediumchain triacylglycerols (MCT), but the effects of MCT on polyunsaturated fatty acid status and metabolism are controversial
We investigated the effect of dietary MCT on plasma fatty acid composition, long-chain polyunsaturated fatty acids (LCP) status, and n-6 fatty acid metabolism in premature infants using uniformly 13C-labeled 18:2n-6
A total of 19 preterm infants participated in the study; nine infants were assigned to the control group and 10 infants to the MCT group
Summary
Most preterm infant formulas contain mediumchain triacylglycerols (MCT), but the effects of MCT on polyunsaturated fatty acid status and metabolism are controversial. Plasma fatty acids and [13C]linoleic acid metabolism in preterm infants fed a formula with medium-chain triglycerides. The fat blend of preterm formulas contains up to 50% medium-chain fatty acids (8:0, 10:0; MCT) usually contributed by coconut oil [1]. They are added to enhance fat and calcium absorption and to provide the premature infant with a readily available source of energy [2, 3]. Periago et al have shown in rats that inclusion of MCT in the diet caused increased LCP in erythrocyte membrane phospholipids [13]
Sign-in/Register to view highlights & summary 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.
