Effect of Dietary sn-2 Position Palmitic Acid on Growth and Bone Metabolism in Formula-fed Infants / 대한소아내분비학회지

ABSTRACT

PURPOSE: Palmitic acid in infant formulas has been shown to lower calcium and fat absorption because of its structural difference from human milk. Some studies reported the inclusion of palm and palm olein oil in infant formula led to lower bone mineralization. We aimed to determine whether the sn-2 position palmitic acid fortified infant formula influences growth and skeletal development, by comparing bone mineral accretion and bone markers in formula-fed infants to those in breast-fed ones. METHODS: We determined anthropometrics and feeding intake in three groups of full term newborn infants fed different diets at 6 and 12 weeks after birth; Group A (n=15) was fed human milk, Group B (n=15) was fed formula alpha (31% sn-2 palmitic acid as a mainly plant source), Group C (n=15) was fed formula beta (31% sn-2 palmitic acid as a mainly animal source). Total body bone mineral content (BMC) and bone mineral density (BMD) were measured at 12 weeks of age using dual energy X-ray absorptiometry. We measured bone-specific alkaline phosphatase (B-ALP), C-terminal propeptide of type 1 collagen (CICP) as markers for bone formation, and deoxypyridinoline crosslinks (total DPD) as a marker for bone resorption at 6 and 12 weeks. RESULTS: There were no significant differences between feeding groups in body weight, height, head circumference, and skinfold thickness at 6 and 12 weeks. The concentrations of B-ALP, CICP, and total DPD were not significantly different between feeding groups at 6 weeks. The concentrations of B-ALP and total DPD were not significantly different between feeding groups at 12 weeks. The concentrations of CICP in Group B and C were higher than that of Group A (P<0.05). BMC and BMD in formula-fed infants (Group B and C) were not different from those of breast-fed ones (Group A). BMC and BMD in Group B were higher than that of Group C (P<0.05). CONCLUSION: The growth and bone mineralization in infants fed sn-2 position palmitic acid fortified formula were not different in those of breast-fed ones.