Lipoprotein patterns in newborns. Influence of nutritional factors.

Plasma and apoprotein levels were assayed in 3 groups of newborns at 0, 7 and 30 days and analyzed as a function of the degree of fatty acid saturation of the diet. The levels of total and HDL cholesterol and the apo A-I, apo A-II and apo B proteins were quantitated in infants either breast-fed or given an adapted formula (I) with a P/S ratio close to that of mother's milk or a formula (II) enriched in polyunsaturated fatty acids. The lipid apoprotein levels are very similar in breast-fed infants and in those receiving the adapted formula I after 7 and 30 days. The addition of PUFA to formula II, significantly affects the plasma lipids and apoproteins of the infants after one week and one month of feeding, as total HDL cholesterol, apo A-I and apo B are significantly lower than in breast-fed infants. The results of this study therefore indicate that lipid and apoprotein synthesis in newborns is sensitive to the degree of fatty acid saturation of the diet. Plasma lipoprotein concentrations at 7 and 30 days are dependent on the type of nutrition.