Changes in erythrocyte lipd stroma in the premature infant according to dietary fat composition

Abstract. Eighteen premature infants of similar gestational age, divided into three groups, were fed 3 milk formulas containing different amounts of linoleic acid. All the cases received 120 calories per kg of weight and day, of which formula A supplied 6.1% of the dietary total calories as linoleic acid, formula B 15.9% and formula C only 0.6%. The fatty acids of red cell ethanolamine and choline phosphoglycerides were studied in a first sample obtained during the first hours of life before the infants had received any food, and in a second sample taken at the age of three weeks. In the group fed formula C (0.6% of the total calories) changes similar to those described in EFA‐deficient rats were found, namely, a decrease of linoleic acid, and an increase of oleic acid and of 20: 3 (n‐9), with a consequent rise of the triene to tetraene ratio. When the supply of linoleate was highest (15.9% of the total caloric intake) linoleic acid increased, oleic acid decreased and the 20: 3 (n‐9) practically disappeared. None of the three groups showed any clinical symptoms. Copyright © 1976, Wiley Blackwell. All rights reserved