Медицинский совет (Oct 2018)
What do we know today about the fat profile of breast milk and modern artificial infant formulas?
Abstract
The article presents a modern view of the fat acid profile of breast milk (BM) and modern artificial formulas. Milk fat of BM is the main source of energy for baby. Triglycerides, which are represented by fat globules of milk form the basis of the fat component of BM. BM is also characterized by the optimal content and ratio of fatty acids. It contains essential polyunsaturated fatty acids (PUFA), such as linoleic and α-linolenic acids with derivatives. PUFAs are included in the milk composition, providing both short-term and long-term effects on infant development. The article presents the results of studies showing the role of fish oil supplements in the diet of pregnant and lactating women, which led to a significant increase of docosahexaenoic acid content in the milk. It is proved that PUFAs are involved in the formation of the brain, neuroretina in infants, participate in immunological processes. Palmitic acid is the most common saturated fat in the BM. If palmitic acid, located in Sn-1 and Sn-3 position, is included in the infant feeding, it affects the formation of insoluble calcium soaps and the formation of a stiffer stool. These properties of β-palmitate are taken into account when developing new approaches to creating formlulas for feeding children, bringing their fat composition closer to the composition of GM. The unique patented DigestX® component, which is part of Kabrita® Gold’s goat milk mixes, is designed to bring the fat component of the blends closer to the unique structure of BM fat. It is shown that mixtures with a high content of β-palmitate provide various metabolic functions, and affect the formation of the infant immunity, the composition of its intestinal microbiota. The formulas with β-palmitate play an important role in forming the bone matrix of the child.
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