The main objective of follow-on formulas is to mimic as closely as possible the composition and structure of mature breast milk. In order to optimize the formulas, important regulatory changes have taken place, including the obligation to supplement the formulas with DHA. The oil phase is therefore formulated from a mixture of oils mainly of vegetable origin with palm oil as the main source of saturated fatty acids and enriched in long-chain polyunsaturated fatty acids. However, these oil blends are not optimal for nutritional needs of infants and are particularly sensitive to lipid oxidation. The aim of this study was to substitute palm oil with other sources of saturated fatty acids in order to ensure a more suitable nutritional profile for infant without impacting or improving stability against lipid oxidation. To reach this objective a model system representative of marketed follow-on formulas was formulated and declined into a panel of model systems depending on the source of saturated fatty acids used. The results showed that depending on the composition of the oil phase the stability against lipid oxidation could be improved. This study has thus highlighted the importance of the balance between nutritional profile and oxidation stability.

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