Long-Chain Polyunsaturated Fatty Acids - Lab Report Example

Long-Chain Polyunsaturated Fatty Acids: The Case For and Against the Supplementation of Infant Formula. The argument is whether it is beneficial or not to add some fatty acids to infant formula. Arachidonic acid (ARA) and Docosahexaenoic acid (DHA) are found in human milk, and some experts believe that these fatty acids play a significant role in early neurological and visual development of infants. DHA and ARA are some of the categories of long-chain polyunsaturated fatty acids. There are researchers who argue that any formula without ARA and DHA is a deficient product giving less than optimal nutrition. Other researchers argue that the addition of fatty acids to infant formula has not been proved to be useful as highlighted by Alan1. Berthold 2 highlights the fact that human diet and human bodies contain a range of different kinds of fatty acids. Fatty acids’ molecules contain long hydrocarbon chains and most common fatty acids consist of 18 carbons. The position and number of double bonds in fatty acids are extremely essential in relation to their health implications and their effects in the human body. There are unsaturated and saturated fatty acids, which are classified depending on the links between the carbon atoms. The n-3 series and the n-6 series are the two different categories of polyunsaturated fatty acids. Infant formula is an extremely special food product since it is meant to be utilized as the only source of nourishment for the first four to six months. It should meet the entire nutritional needs of the infants during this period without any harmful excesses or inadequacies. The composition of infant formula is essential to the health of the infant. Human milk acts as the model for the composition of infant formulas. There are differences between formulas and human milk. First, infants absorb nutrients from human milk with ease, but in formulas, some levels of nutrients are made higher to compensate for differences of bioavailability as portrayed by Christopher, John and Allan3. Donald, Sophie and Melissa 4 claim that it is an exceptional case for formulas meant for premature infants. The feeding of small infants who have not developed and ready to eat is a challenge. Even human milk cannot entirely meet certain nutritional needs of these infants. Therefore, they must be forfeited with extra protein, minerals and vitamins. Conventionally, formulas of feeding full-term infants are not properly suited for premature infants. The difference in the available proteins among the human milk and infant formula is a sufficient proof that human milk is the best option. There are reasons that explain why breast milk is the ideal baby food. Formulas may contain 50 percent more protein than breast milk. This must be avoided since high protein intake by infants facilitates their weight gain and increases the risky of obesity as they grow. Human milk contains whey to casein ratio that adjusts from 90:10 in early milk to 60:40 in mature milk, and 50:50 in late lactation. Formulas remain static and may differ depending on the brand. Bovine casein in the formulas is hard to digest and forms a hard, rubbery curd in the stomach of the infants. This may cause slower gastric emptying for the formula fed infants. There are differences between infant formulas and human milk in terms of composition and function. Formulas do not have the protein known as lactoferrin. This protein assists in the destruction of the bacterial cell and is significant to immunity. Formulas do not have immunoglobulin and defensive and digestive enzymes. There are few non-protein nitrogen components in infant formula compared to breast milk as highlighted by Jim 5. Marsha 6 claims that milk from cows contains fats that are not easily digested by human babies. Producers remove the butterfat from such milk employed in the production of formulas and substitute it with a mix of vegetable oils, which give appropriate proportions of unsaturated and saturated fatty acids. Human milk contains ARA and DHA, with levels changing depending on the diet of the mother. The content of fatty acids on human milk can be increased if the diet of the lactating mother is supplemented with these fatty acids. It is not clear whether infants have the ability to produce DHA and ARA to meet their needs in full. This uncertainty has encouraged the controversy about whether or not ARA and DHA must be added directly to infant formulas. Slater 7 indicates various scientific studies have evaluated the differences of the mental development of formula-fed infants with that of breastfed infants. In most of these studies, the test scores of breastfed children tended to be higher than those of formula-fed children. Level of mothers’ education and family incomes, and not only the breastfeeding itself could be the factors responsible for the differences. Another study was conducted and it incorporated mothers’ level of education and the socioeconomic status. Before consideration of these factors, the study found that the average Intelligent Quotient scores of the breastfed children were five points more than those of formula fed children. After considering other factors, this difference reduced to three points. Therefore, it is indistinct whether the Intelligent Quotients of breastfed children are higher compared to those of formula-fed children. However, if the difference exists, it is doubtful whether the ARA or DHA content of breast milk is partially responsible. Jim 5 asserts that other factors such as experience of breastfeeding might also be relevant. The latest studies, which took into consideration parenting skills of mothers and their Intelligent Quotients, indicated that there is no difference between Intelligent Quotients of formula-fed and breastfed children. The quantities and percentages of fatty acids in the human diet influence the fatty acid composition of body tissues and blood. The blood ARA and DHA levels of breastfed infants are higher than those of formula-fed infants. Formulas supplemented with ARA or DHA may increase the level of fatty acids in blood closely to those found in human milk. It is uncertain whether these biochemical differences result to significant effects on function and development of infants. Marsha 6 observes that the few studies, which have been conducted to assess the effects of formula supplementation with ARA and/or DHA concerning the neurological development or visual function in full-term infants, have yielded inconsistent results. As a result of the current evidence, authorities in some European and Asian countries have decided to permit, but not require the inclusion of ARA and DHA in infant formulas. Various global organizations, including WHO, have approved the use of DHA and ARA in infant formulas. In Australia, the supplementation of infant formulas with long-chain polyunsaturated fatty acids is allowed, but the manufacturers are not required to include these fatty acids in the infant formulas. Recommendations There are various sources of long-chain polyunsaturated fatty acids including human milk, which is the main source of food for infants. Human milk is the principal source of DHA and ARA for infants. Breastfeeding is the best option for feeding infants; breastfeeding assists and protect against infections, prevent allergies, and guard against various chronic conditions. As per literature, breast milk is the best nutritional option for infants; however, breastfeeding cannot be possible for all mothers. For mothers who are incapable or choose not to breastfeed, baby formula is the option. Therefore, infant formula supplemented with nutrients such as DHA and ARA will be beneficial to infants of these mothers. The current scientific work points out that DHA and ARA play a considerable role in the development of infants. These fatty acids play a significant role in the mental and visual development of infants. Based on this, I would recommend the supplementation of infant formulas with these fatty acids. Conclusion DHA and ARA are long-chain polyunsaturated fatty acids which are essential for the human body. There are various sources of these fatty acids including human milk, which is the main source of food for infants. The current scientific literature indicates that DHA and ARA play a significant role in the development of infants. However, the differences between breastfed children and formula-fed children have not been attributed to the presence or absence of these fatty acids. Other relevant factors also affect the development of infants. The inclusion of DHA and ARA in infant formulas will be beneficial, but breast milk is the best source of these fatty acids and other crucial nutrients required for the development of infants. Bibliography 1. Alan L. Importance of Growth for Health and Development. New York: Karger Publishers; 2010. 2. Berthold K. Early Nutrition and its later Consequences: New Opportunities: Perinatal Programming of Adult Health – EC Supported Research. New York: Springer; 2005. 3. Christopher D, John BW, Allan W. Nutrition in Pediatrics: Basic Science, Clinical Applications. New York: People’s Medical Publishing House – USA; 2008. 4. Donald B, Sophie A, Melissa B. Infant Feeding and Nutrition for Primary Care. Oxford: Radcliffe Publishing; 2004. 5. Jim S. Functional Food Product Development. New York: John Wiley & Sons; 2010. 6. Marsha W. Breastfeeding Management for the Clinician: Using the Evidence. New York: Jones & Bartlett Publishers; 2011. 7. Slater A. Introduction to Infant Formula. Oxford: Oxford University Press; 2007. Read More