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Arch Dis Child Fetal Neonatal Ed 1997;77:F178-F184 ( November )

Randomised controlled trial of a synthetic triglyceride milk formula for preterm infants

A Lucas,a P Quinlan,b S Abrams,c S Ryan,d S Meah,d P J Lucasa

a MRC Childhood Nutrition Research Centre, Institute of Child Health, 30 Guilford Street, London WC1N 1EH, b Unilever Research, Colworth Laboratory, Sharnbrook, Bedford, c Baylor College of Medicine, Department of Pediatrics, Houston, Texas, USA, d Regional Neonatal Unit, Liverpool Maternity Hospital, Liverpool

Correspondence to: Dr A Lucas.


Accepted 16 June 1997

AIMS---To test whether use of infant formula containing synthetic structured triglycerides results in: (i) increased palmitate absorption; (ii) increased total fat absorption; (iii) reduction in calcium soap formation in the gut; and hence (iv) increased calcium absorption.
METHODS---A randomised study was made of 24 infants comparing three formulas, one containing the synthetic fat Betapol with 74% of palmitate in the 2-position, which was substantially higher than in the two comparison diets (8.4% and 28%). The hypothesised outcomes were tested using balance studies, detailed chemical analysis of stool specimens and dual calcium isotope tracers (44calcium orally and 46calcium intravenously).
RESULTS---Three of the four hypotheses were confirmed: use of a formula rich in 2-position palmitate (i) improved palmitate (16:0) and also (18:0) absorption; (ii) reduced the formation of insoluble calcium soaps in the stool; and (iii) improved calcium absorption, determined by the dual tracer technique from 42 (SE 3)% to 57 (7)%.
CONCLUSION---Synthetic triglycerides that mimic the stereoisometric structure of those in breast milk may have a valuable role in the design of formulas used for preterm infants in neonatal intensive care units.

Key messages

  • Synthetic structured triglycerides can provide palmitic acid predominantly in the 2-position, like breast milk, rather than predominantly in the 1 and 3 positions as in modern formulas.
  • Use of such fats in formula for preterm infants can improve absorption of saturated fats, palmitate, and stearate.
  • Improved saturated fat absorption reduces calcium soap formation in the intestine.
  • In turn, this improves calcium absorption, determined by dual calcium isotope kinetics.



Keywords: synthetic triglyceride; milk formula; calcium absorption; palmitate

© 1997 by Archives of Disease in Childhood


This article has been cited by other articles:


Home page
 Am. J. Clin. Nutr.Home page
K. Kennedy, M. S Fewtrell, R. Morley, R. Abbott, P. T Quinlan, J. C. Wells, J. G Bindels, and A. Lucas
Double-blind, randomized trial of a synthetic triacylglycerol in formula-fed term infants: effects on stool biochemistry, stool characteristics, and bone mineralization
Am. J. Clinical Nutrition, November 1, 1999; 70(5): 920 - 927.
[Abstract] [Full Text] [PDF]


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