The Role of Lipids in Human Milk and Infant Formulae

Abstract

The quantity and quality of dietary lipids in infant formulae have a significant impact on health outcomes, especially when fat storing and/or absorption are limited (e.g., preterm birth and short bowel disease) or when fat byproducts may help to prevent some pathologies (e.g., atopy). The lipid composition of infant formulae varies according to the different fat sources used, and the potential biological effects are related to the variety of saturated and unsaturated fatty acids. For example, since lipids are the main source of energy when the normal absorptive capacity of the digestive tract is compromised, medium-chain saturated fatty acids might cover this requirement. Instead, ruminant-derived trans fatty acids and metabolites of n-3 long-chain polyunsaturated fatty acids with their anti-inflammatory properties can modulate immune function. Furthermore, dietary fats may influence the nutrient profile of formulae, improving the acceptance of these products and the compliance with dietary schedules.

A Comparison of Changes in the Fatty Acid Profile of Human Milk of Spanish Lactating Women during the First Month of Lactation Using Gas Chromatography-Mass Spectrometry. A Comparison with Infant Formulas

“…Oleic acid (C18:1 n-9) constitutes more than 90% of the total MUFAs, finding similar values in human milk groups and infant formulas. This is fundamentally linked to the consumption of olive oil, representing levels greater than 40% [6,15].…”

“…Lipids are the largest source of energy in human milk. Triacylglycerols (TAGs) represent 98-99% of total fats and their properties are determined by the length of and degree of unsaturation of fatty acids (FAs) esterified to the glycerol backbone [6]. Milk composition changes throughout lactation, and fat is one of the most variable nutrients in human milk.…”

“…Lipid content changes according to the stage of lactation and time of day, and during feeding. Whilst in human milk the composition of fatty acids is dynamic and modulated by maternal diet, infant formulas have a much less complex composition than human milk fat [6][7][8]. This can provide challenges in attempting to ensure normal or typical fatty acid intake in breastfed infants and in establishing fatty acid targets when developing infant formulas [8].…”

An international survey of the nutrition management of chylothorax: a time for change

“…33,34 The results from the survey would suggest a preference for the use of maternal breast milk, potentially without any modification particularly as breast milk contains 8 to 10% of medium chain triglycerides. 35 The implication for practice suggests that there may be a need to investigate the minimum amount of long chain triglycerides restriction required for symptom resolution in order to better promote and protect breastfeeding, particularly as this patient population is vulnerable to pre-morbid malnutrition and growth restriction 34,36 with poor weight gain post surgery associated with increased risk of mortality. 37,38 There was significant regional variation evident in the reported degree of dietary restriction of long chain triglycerides with 46% of health-care professionals in Europe restricting long chain triglycerides to 1 g per year of life compared to 84% of respondents in North America, who were more likely to use an individualised approach.…”

Effects of melatonin on Dairy Herd Improvement (DHI) of Holstein cow with mastitis

“…Lactose is a unique ingredient in milk and is present in many infant formula and dairy products [15]. Milk fat is a complex mixture of different types of fat which is the main source of energy of the milk [16]. The milk protein is mainly casein, with small amounts of albumin and globulin [17] which is an important protein source of human diet.…”