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Enteral lipid digestion and absorption

2006; Cambridge University Press; Linguagem: Inglês

10.1017/cbo9780511544712.024

Margit Hamosh,

Fatty Acid Research and Health

Fats are vital for normal growth and development, and are the main energy source of the newborn infant. In addition to providing 40%–50% of the total calories in human milk or formula, fats are an integral part of all cell membranes, provide fatty acids necessary for brain development, and are the sole vehicle for fat-soluble vitamins and hormones in milk. Furthermore, these energy-rich lipids can be stored in the body in nearly unlimited amounts, in contrast to the limited storage capacity for carbohydrates and proteins. Before birth, glucose is the major energy source for the fetus, with the fetal requirement for fatty acids supplied mainly as free fatty acids from the maternal circulation. After birth, fat is supplied chiefly in the form of milk or formula triglycerides.