Fatty acid balance studies in preterm infants fed formula milk containing long-chain polyunsaturated fatty acids (LCP) II.

A milk formula (Prematil-LCP) containing long-chain polyunsaturated fatty acids (LCP) and with a fatty acid profile closely resembling breast milk has recently been introduced for preterm infants. A double-blind randomized controlled trial was performed comparing fatty acid absorption from Prematil-LCP (n=10) and standard Prematil (n=10). Formula-fed preterm infants underwent 3 d fat balances (once full enteral feeds were established) along with a parallel human milk fed group (n=11). Plasma samples were taken on the last day. Median total fat excretion (absorption, %) was 2.34g kg(-1) (82.0), 2.64g kg(-1) (82.9) and 1.65g kg(-1) (87.8) with Prematil, Prematil-LCP and human milk feeding, respectively. This reflected differences in the excretion and absorption of long-chain saturated fatty acids. All groups excreted detectable LCP. LCP disappearance was higher in infants fed human milk than in those fed Prematil-LCP, particularly for n-6 LCP (p < 0.01). Nevertheless, excreted LCP equated to < 30% dietary intake, with Prematil-LCP feeding. Plasma lipid fatty acid composition reflected differences in dietary LCP intake.