Abstract
Long-chain polyunsaturated fatly acids (LCP, 20-22 carbon atoms) are important tor perinatal growth and development. In contrast to human milk, current infant formulae do not contain LCP. Hence, formula fed infants depend on endogenous LCP synthesis from linoleic (LIN. n-6) and alpha-linolenic (A-LIN. n-3) acids which compete for one enzyme system. We studied whether the dietary LIN/A-LIN ratio affects plasma phospholipid n-6 and n-3 LCP in premature infants.
Subjects and methods: 28 premature infants (gest. age 31±2 wks., birthweight 1.2±0.2 kg. M±SD) were fed either a formula with 17.0 % LIN and a LIN/A-LIN ratio of 10, i. e. similar to human milk (control, n=13), or a formula high in LIN (31.7 %) and low in A-LIN (0.3 %) (n=15). Plasma phospholipid fatty acids on day 28 of lite were measured with capillary gas-liquid chromatography.
Results: Total phospholipid fatty acid concentrations did not differ between groups. Percentage contents of LIN and its n-6 metabolites were higher in the high LIN/A-LIN ratio group, but n-3 fatty acids were similar.
Conclusions: Premature infants fed a diet low in n-3 fany acids maintain phospholipid n-3 fatty acids relatively stable for a short period of time, possibly by utilizing body pools. A high dietary intake of LIN with a large LIN/A-LIN ratio seems to enhance n-6 LCP biosynthesis.
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Koletzko, B., Sulkers, E., Thiel, I. et al. EFFECTS OF A HIGH DIETARY LINOLEIC/ALPHA-LINOLENIC ACID RATIO IN FORMULA FED PREMATURE INFANTS. Pediatr Res 32, 627 (1992). https://doi.org/10.1203/00006450-199211000-00135
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DOI: https://doi.org/10.1203/00006450-199211000-00135