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Fatty acid composition of plasma and red cell phospholipids of preterm babies fed on breast milk and formulae

  • Neonatology
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Abstract

Fatty acids of plasma and red cells of preterm babies, gestational age 28–33 weeks, weighing less than 2200 g were studied between birth and the expected date of delivery (EDD). Babies were fed either mothers' breast milk, or if they were unable, or chose not to breastfeed, randomly assigned to milk formula A or B. Milk B had 26% oleic acid, 0.5% docosahexaenoic acid (DHA) and 0.12% arachidonic (AA); A had 13% oleic acid, less than 0.05% AA and no DHA. The proportions of gamma linoleic and the other fatty acids, and the ratio of linoleic acid (LA)/alpha linolenic acid (ALA) were comparable in the two formulae. Diet and/or physiological adaptation seemed to be responsible for the significant changes in the proportions of certain fatty acids between birth and EDD. Incorporation of DHA in formula B increased its concentration in plasma and red cells, and reduced the conversion of LA to AA. With respect to maintenance of DHA status, milk B was superior to milk A but did not match breast milk.

Conclusion

Fortification of formula with DHA without concomitant incorporation of AA may precipitate AA insufficiency and may have developmental implications.

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Abbreviations

AA :

arachidonic acid (20∶4n-6)

ALA :

alpha linolenic acid (18∶3n-3)

BHT :

butylated hydroxytolvene

DHA :

docosahexaenoic acid (22∶6n-3)

EDD :

expected date of delivery (40 weeks postconceptional age)

LA :

linoleic acid (18∶2n-6)

FAME :

fatty acid methyl ester

GLA :

gamma linolenic acid (18∶3n-6)

PPC :

plasma choline phosphoglycerides

PUFA :

polyunsaturated fatty acids

RBC PC :

red blood cell choline phosphoglycerides

RBC PE :

red blood cell ethanolamine phosphoglycerides

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Authors and Affiliations

  1. The Institute of Brain Chemistry and Human Nutrition, Queen Elizabeth Hospital for Children, Hayward Building, Hackney Road, E2 8PS, London, UK

    K. Ghebremeskel, M. Leighfield & M. Crawford

  2. Joint Academic Department of Child Health, Medical College of St. Bartholomew's Hospital and Homerton Hospital, London, UK

    A. Leaf & K. Costeloe

Authors
  1. K. Ghebremeskel
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  2. M. Leighfield
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  3. A. Leaf
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  4. K. Costeloe
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  5. M. Crawford
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Ghebremeskel, K., Leighfield, M., Leaf, A. et al. Fatty acid composition of plasma and red cell phospholipids of preterm babies fed on breast milk and formulae. Eur J Pediatr 154, 46–52 (1995). https://doi.org/10.1007/BF01972972

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  • DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/BF01972972

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