Studies underlined the interest of long chain polyunsaturated fatty acids supplementation in VLBW infants fed preterm formula. The purpose of this study was to evaluate FA intestinal absorption in preterms according to their feeding regimen. Methods: 10 adapted for gestational age (GA) VLBW infants fed either protein, energy and mineral supplemented pasteurized OMM(n=5) or a PF supplemented with 0.37% docosahexaenoic acid (PF+DHA) (Pregallia au DHA®, Gallia, Diepal NSA) (n=5). A 3-day balance study was performed at the end of the first month of life. Lipids from milk and stools were extracted and FA were separated and quantified by capillary gas liquid chromatography.Clinical data and results: TableConclusion: We found a significantly better intestinal absorption of total FA, n-3 FA and n-6 FA in infants fed PF+DHA than in infants fed fortified OMM.

Table 1