Ratios of linoleic acid to α-linolenic acid in formulas for term infants

Robert A. Gibson, Maria Makrides, Mark A. Neumann, Karen Simmer, Evangeline Mantzioris, Michael J. James

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Abstract

Commercial infant formulas with a ratio of linoleic acid (LA) to a-linolenic acid (ALA) of 10:1 or higher are nutritionally inadequate; the tissue levels of docosahexaenoic acid (DHA) are lower and the visual function indices are reduced in infants who are fed these formulas. All the evidence points to using LA:ALA ratios of less than 8:1, but there has been only one study in infants that used formulas with reduced LA:ALA ratios, and only biochemical indices were monitored. There is a need for both short-term studies to establish the ratios of LA to ALA that will make possible the accumulation of DHA to levels close to those in breast-fed infants and long-term trials to determine the effects of such fat blends on growth and development.

Original languageEnglish
Pages (from-to)S48-S55
JournalThe Journal of Pediatrics
Volume125
Issue number5 PART 2
DOIs
Publication statusPublished or Issued - Nov 1994

ASJC Scopus subject areas

  • Pediatrics, Perinatology, and Child Health

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