Growth and Tolerance of Infants Fed Formula with a New Algal Source of Docosahexaenoic Acid: Double-blind, Randomized, Controlled Trial

• Published in: Prostaglandins, leukotrienes and essential fatty acids Vol. 115; pp. 89 - 96
• Main Authors: Yeiser, Michael, Zissman, Edward N, Harris, Cheryl L, Kirchoff, Ashlee, Patterson, Ashley C, Wampler, Jennifer L, Berseth, Carol Lynn
• Format: Journal Article
• Language: English
• Published: Scotland Elsevier Ltd 01.12.2016
• Subjects: Advanced Basic Science; Capillary Electrochromatography; Child Development - physiology; Docosahexaenoic Acids - blood; Double-Blind Method; Endocrinology & Metabolism; Fatty Acids - analysis; Fatty Acids - blood; Female; Gestational Age; Humans; Infant Formula - chemistry; Infant Nutritional Physiological Phenomena; Infant, Newborn; Male; Prospective Studies; arachidonic acid; long-chain polyunsaturated fatty acid; single cell oil; PDX; polydextrose; galactooligosaccharides; GOS; PPL; red blood cell; ARA; LCPUFA; plasma phospholipid; RBC; docosahexaenoic acid; DHA; SCO
• ISSN: 0952-3278; 1532-2823
• DOI: 10.1016/j.plefa.2016.09.001

Abstract Docasahexaenoic acid (DHA) in infant formula at concentrations based on worldwide human milk has resulted in circulating red blood cell (RBC) lipids related to visual and cognitive development. In this study, infants received study formula (17 mg DHA/100 kcal) with a commercially-available (Control: n =140; DHASCO®) or alternative (DHASCO-B: n =127) DHA single cell oil from 14 to 120 days of age. No significant group differences were detected for growth rates by gender through 120 days of age. Blood fatty acids at 120 days of age were assessed by capillary column gas chromatography in a participant subset (Control: n =34; DHASCO-B: n =27). The 90% confidence interval (91–104%) for the group mean (geometric) total RBC DHA (µg/mL) ratio fell within the pre-specified equivalence limit (80–125%), establishing study formula equivalence with respect to DHA. This study demonstrated infant formula with DHASCO-B was safe, well-tolerated, and associated with normal growth. Furthermore, DHASCO and DHASCO-B represented equivalent sources of DHA as measured by circulating RBC DHA.