EVOLUTION, CHALLENGES AND FUTURE OF THE LIPID COMPOSITION OF INFANT FORMULAS: A NARRATIVE LITERATURE REVIEW
DOI:
https://doi.org/10.56238/arev7n12-029Keywords:
Lipids, Fatty Acids, Infant Formula, Infant FoodAbstract
Infant formulas have evolved to replicate the lipid profile of human milk, which is essential for the healthy development of infants. This article reviews the changes in fat composition, from the earliest formulas with animal and vegetable fats to the current ones, enriched with essential fatty acids such as docosahexaenoic acid (DHA, 22:6n-3) and arachidonic acid (ARA, 20:4n-6). Replication of human milk fat globules faces challenges due to their unique structure and bioactive compounds, which are crucial for infant nutrition and immunity. Attempts to mimic human milk include using vegetable oils and advances in emulsification and homogenization techniques to improve nutrient stability and bioavailability and reduce saturated and trans fats. Modern formulas also seek to address food allergies and intolerances by using biotechnology to synthesize human lipids, improving digestibility and nutritional adequacy. Although great advances have been made, limitations remain, especially regarding sustainability and production costs. Future developments could include personalized formulas based on genetics and biotechnology and solutions that reduce environmental impact, promoting more effective and sustainable infant formulas.
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