[Hot Science] High sn-2 palmitate formula and neurodevelopmental outcomes in term infants

The clinical significance of sn-2 palmitate fortification in infant milk formula has been well recognized particularly for its beneficial effects on gastrointestinal health. This recent study provides additional evidence to demonstrate the potential role of sn-2 palmitate in neurocognitive development early at the 24^th week of life.

3 min read

Study design

Cluster-randomized, controlled, parallel-group trial conducted in China

Subject and Intervention

Control group (n = 59),

Healthy, term formula-fed infants
Fed standard cow’s milk formula with 10.3% palmitate acid in sn-2 position

Sn-2 group (n = 58),

Healthy, term formula-fed infants
Fed standard cow’s milk formula with 46.3% palmitate acid in sn-2 position

BF group (n = 57),

Breastfed infants
Fed exclusively with breast milk

Study duration

Baseline (week 0) to week 24 of life

Results

Fecal bifidobacteria,

At baseline, no significant difference in the relative abundance of fecal bifidobacteria was identified among groups;
At week 16 (p = 0.001) and 24 (p = 0.028), control group had significantly lower relative abundance of fecal bifidobacteria vs. sn-2 group or breastfed;
At week 16 and 24, no significance difference in the relative abundance of fecal bifidobacterial was identified between sn-2 group and BF group.

Neurodevelopmental scores,

At week 16, sn-2 group had significantly higher adjusted median score for fine motor skills vs. control group (p = 0.021);
At week 16, sn-2 group had no significant difference in adjusted median score for fine motor skills vs. BF group;
At week 24, no significance differences in any domains were observed among groups;

Conclusion

Elevating the level of sn-2 palmitate in milk formula improved infants’ fine motor skills development which is associated with an increased gut bifidobacteria level.

Link to publication:
https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/33671493/

WYE-EM-066-APR-21

Reference

Wu W et al. Neurodevelopmental outcomes and gut bifidobacterial in term infants fed an infant formula containing high sn-2 palmitate: a cluster randomized clinical trial. Nutrients. 2021;13:693.

Other articles that you might be interested in:

[Hot Science] Infant feeding tolerance on formula supplemented with sn-2 palmitate and oligofructose