Lipids and Long Chain Polyunsaturated Fatty Acids in Preterm Infants

Abstract

Fatty acids are critical bioactives for fetal and neonatal development. Premature delivery and current nutritional strategies pose several challenges in restoring fatty acid balance in the preterm infant. The impact on fatty acid balance and outcomes using lipid emulsions, enteral nutrition, and enteral supplements are reviewed, including a summary of the most recent large clinical trials of enteral fatty acid supplementation for the preterm infant. Research gaps remain in successfully implementing nutritional strategies to optimize fatty acid status in preterm infants.

Keywords: Fatty acids; Lipid emulsions; Lipid supplements; Lipids.