Destaillats Frédéric, Oliveira Manuel, Rakitsky Walter, Zhou Xiaoying, Parker Leon
Checkerspot, Inc., Alameda, CA, United States.
Front Nutr. 2025 Jun 26;12:1635266. doi: 10.3389/fnut.2025.1635266. eCollection 2025.
Nervonic acid (24:1 n-9, NA) is a monounsaturated very long-chain fatty acid (VLCFA) that plays a fundamental role in brain development, particularly in the biosynthesis of sphingolipids and myelin sheaths. NA is present in minute amounts in human milk and despite its importance in neuronal function and cognitive development, there is currently no ingredient available for the fortification of infant nutrition products. However, recent advances in biotechnology have made it feasible to produce high NA containing oil through fermentation, presenting a significant opportunity to address this nutritional gap. This review explores the potential of NA fortification in infant nutrition products and its impact on neurodevelopment, with a specific focus on two populations: premature infants, who are at higher risk of neurodevelopmental impairments due to incomplete myelination, and healthy term infants, who may experience enhanced cognitive development with improved dietary NA intake when consuming infant formula. By critically examining the scientific basis for NA supplementation, as well as the practical challenges and regulatory considerations associated with its implementation, this review aims at providing a forward-looking perspective on how this emerging ingredient could enhance infant nutrition and improve health outcomes.
神经酸（24:1 n-9，NA）是一种单不饱和超长链脂肪酸（VLCFA），在大脑发育中起着重要作用，特别是在鞘脂和髓鞘的生物合成中。神经酸在人乳中的含量极少，尽管它在神经元功能和认知发育中很重要，但目前尚无用于强化婴儿营养产品的成分。然而，生物技术的最新进展使得通过发酵生产富含神经酸的油成为可能，这为填补这一营养缺口提供了重大机遇。本综述探讨了在婴儿营养产品中强化神经酸的潜力及其对神经发育的影响，特别关注两类人群：早产儿，由于髓鞘形成不完全，他们患神经发育障碍的风险较高；健康足月儿，当食用婴儿配方奶粉时，摄入更多膳食神经酸可能会促进其认知发育。通过严格审查补充神经酸的科学依据以及实施过程中实际面临的挑战和监管方面的考虑因素，本综述旨在对这种新兴成分如何改善婴儿营养和健康状况提供前瞻性观点。
