Infant Formula Fats Linked to Liver Disease, Study Finds
Certain fats used in some infant formulas may contribute to early signs of steatotic liver disease, according to new research from Virginia Tech. The study, published in the American Journal of Physiology-Endocrinology and Metabolism, suggests that medium-chain fats may have a different impact on developing livers compared to long-chain fats.
How the Study Was Conducted
Researchers used a neonatal pig model to study the effects of different fats commonly found in infant formulas on liver metabolism. Newborn pigs were fed either a formula rich in medium-chain fatty acids (derived from coconut oil) or a formula rich in long-chain fatty acids (derived from animal fat). Both groups received the same amount of calories and protein. Newborn pigs are used in nutrition research because their digestive systems and fat metabolism closely resemble those of human infants.
Key Findings
Pigs fed the medium-chain fat formula accumulated liver fat more rapidly than those fed the long-chain fat formula. Within seven days, researchers observed fat beginning to build up in the liver, progressing to a more severe inflammatory form of the disease by two weeks.
Interestingly, the study found that the developing liver responds differently to fat accumulation than adult livers. In adults, fat buildup occurs when the liver slows down fat burning. Still, in the pig study, the developing livers showed increased fat burning alongside fat accumulation. Researchers observed that the liver activated both fat-making and fat-burning pathways simultaneously, becoming overwhelmed despite these adaptive responses.
What is Steatotic Liver Disease?
Steatotic liver disease, previously known as non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD), involves an excessive buildup of fat in the liver. While historically associated with obesity in adults, it is increasingly being diagnosed in children and even infants, raising concerns about the role of early nutrition in liver health. Research suggests a link between metabolism and the development of NAFLD.
What Does This Mean for Infant Formula?
Samer El-Kadi, Associate Professor at the Virginia Tech School of Animal Sciences, emphasizes that the study does not recommend avoiding infant formula. Breast milk remains the “gold standard” for infant nutrition, but formula is a critical alternative when breastfeeding isn’t possible or sufficient. El-Kadi stated that the benefits of feeding outweigh potential long-term risks.
The goal of this research is to improve the composition of infant formulas over time by understanding how different components affect the developing body. This research aligns with the US Department of Health and Human Services and the Food and Drug Administration’s Operation Stork Speed initiative, which aims to improve the safety and nutritional quality of infant formula.
Future Research
El-Kadi’s team is continuing to investigate how specific fatty acids influence liver metabolism in early life, including examining whether different types of medium-chain fatty acids have varying effects and optimal quantities. Understanding these nuances could lead to better nutritional strategies for infants.
Source: Virginia Tech News