Essential Fatty Acids During Complementary Feeding

The Importance of Increasing Intake of Essential Fatty Acids During Complementary Feeding on Infant Growth and Body Composition, Intestinal Health, Immune Function and Risk Markers for Later Metabolic Complications.

The objective of this intervention study is to examine the effect of n-3 LCPUFA on growth and body composition, intestinal health and microbiotic composition, immune function and risk markers for later diseases in 9-18 months old infants and toddlers.

Inclusion Criteria:

• Singleton infants, 9 mo +/- 2 wk, born >= 37 wk of gestation
• Birth weight >=2500g, a 5-min Apgar score >= 7, birth weight >= 5th percentile for gestational age

Exclusion Criteria:

• Chronic diseases expected to influence growth and dietary intake
• Use of medicine expected to influence growth and dietary intake
• Fish oil supplementation