Calcium and fat balance and gastrointestinal tolerance in normal term infants fed infant formulas containing a monoglyceride‐based vs triglyceride‐based fat‐blend (LB403)

Abstract

Objectives: We investigated effects of monoacylglyceride (MG) and free fatty acids (end products of fat hydrolysis in the gut) inclusion in infant formula’s fat‐blend on calcium and fat absorption. Methods: A randomized, blinded, 4 wk crossover study evaluated calcium and fat absorption and gastrointestinal tolerance in 2‐4 mo old healthy term infants fed an experimental milk‐based powdered formula containing MG palmitate and soy calcium fatty acids (EF) vs a similar commercial control formula containing triacylglyceride‐based fat‐blend (CF). Balance and tolerance data was based on 12 and 13 evaluable subjects, respectively. Results: Balance data indicated that percent (%) calcium absorption (primary study variable) was not different (p=0.85) between EF (38+5; mean±SEM) and CF (37+6). Absorbed calcium (mg/kg/day) was numerically higher (16%) with EF, but not statistically different. Percent fat absorption was 5.2% lower (p=0.01) with EF vs CF, but absorbed fat (g/kg/day) was numerically greater (9.4%) with EF. Tolerance data indicated that mean rank stool consistency was firmer (p=0.02) and stool frequency was higher (p=0.01) with EF vs CF. Percentage of yellow stools was higher (p=0.03) and percentage of green stools (p=0.03) was lower with EF vs CF. Mean rank fussiness was lower (p= 0.01) with EF vs CF. Conclusion: The EF demonstrated similar calcium absorption and good GI tolerance vs the CF, which was a standard formula containing a fat blend with proven efficacy and safe use in normal infants. Grant Funding Source: Supported by Abbott Nutrition