Author
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Heird, William |
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Submitted to: Lipids
Publication Type: Review Article Publication Acceptance Date: 9/1/1997 Publication Date: N/A Citation: N/A Interpretive Summary: Technical Abstract: This is a summary of a session on "Biological effects and safety issues related to long-chain polyunsaturated fatty acids in infants," which was part of the American Oil Chemist Society Conference, "PUFA in Infant Nutrition: Consensus and Controversies" , held in November, 1996, in Barcelona. The proceedings are being published in the scientific journal, Lipids. The scientists discussed evidence to support the possibility that intake of certain long-chain polyunsaturated fatty acids (LC-PUFA) during infancy may benefit the development of their eyes and brain. This evidence comes from studies of babies who were breast-fed versus formula-fed (e.g., human milk contains LC-PUFA, but commercially available U.S. infant formulas do not), as well as infants fed formula with versus without the addition of these fatty acids. In the session summarized, scientists discussed safety issues in regard to supplementing formula with fatty acids sin the right types, amounts, (to preclude a lower growth rate) and source fish oil, algal triglycerides or egg yolk phospholipid. Another question pertained to the potential for greater insulin sensitivity. Until some of these questions are resolved, most participants were reluctant to enthusiastically endorse adding LC-PUFA to formula. |
