Rethinking Linoleic Acid in Infant Formula: What Does the Evidence Say?

This comprehensive expert review explores the evolving understanding of linoleic acid (LA) levels in infant formula, drawing attention to ongoing debates and the critical gaps in clinical evidence. The publication reviews current recommendations, the physiological role of LA and related fatty acids, and highlights the need to balance LA with other essential fatty acids such as alpha-linolenic acid (ALA), arachidonic acid (ARA), and docosahexaenoic acid (DHA) for optimal infant growth and development. The discussion also reflects on how recent regulatory changes may impact infant health and underlines the importance of future research in this area.

Key Takeaways for Healthcare Professionals

From this resource, you will learn:

• How current global and regional regulations set safe ranges for linoleic acid and other fatty acids in infant formula

• Why both the quantity and ratio of LA and ALA, alongside preformed LCPUFAs, are crucial for healthy development

• The potential risks and benefits associated with higher or lower LA intakes, based on both historical and recent scientific data

• The significant knowledge gaps that remain, especially around long-term outcomes, immune function, brain development, and metabolic health

• The call from international experts for well-designed clinical trials to guide best practices for infant formula composition

This resource is valuable for you as a paediatrician, neonatologist, dietitian, nutritionist, or family doctor, offering practical insights that support evidence-based guidance, nutrition planning, and informed discussions with parents about infant formula and early nutritional needs. It will help strengthen your clinical knowledge and enhance your everyday practice.

Ready to Deepen Your Expertise?

Click the orange "View Content" button to access the full publication and gain further insights into this complex and evolving field. The resource offers detailed data, discussion, and practical recommendations for those supporting families and infants. More comprehensive information is available within the document, equipping you with the knowledge to inform your clinical decisions and ongoing education.

This article is reused from: Carlson, S. E., Schipper, L., Brenna, J. T., Agostoni, C., Calder, P. C., Forsyth, S., Legrand, P., Abrahamse-Berkeveld, M., van de Heijning, B., van der Beek, E. M., Koletzko, B. V., and Muhlhausler, B. Perspective: Moving Toward Desirable Linoleic Acid Content in Infant Formula. Advances in nutrition (Bethesda, Md.) 2021, nmab076. https://doi.org/10.1093/advances/nmab076. No changes were made to the article.