Fatty acid requirements in preterm infants and their role in health and disease

Abstract

Challenges remain in optimizing the delivery of fatty acids to attain their nutritional and therapeutic benefits in neonatal health. In this review, knowledge about placental transfer of fatty acids to the developing fetus is summarized, the potential role and mechanisms of fatty acids in enhancing neonatal health and minimizing morbidities is outlined, the unique considerations for fatty acid delivery in the preterm population are defined, and the research questions are proposed that need to be addressed before new standards of care are adopted at the bedside for the provision of critical fatty acids to preterm infants.

Keywords: Arachidonic acid; Docosahexaenoic acid; Eicosapentaenoic acid; Linoleic acid; Lipid emulsions; Long-chain polyunsaturated fatty acids.