Palmitic acid is the most abundant saturated fatty acid in human milk, where it is primarily located in the SN-2 position.
SN-2 palmitate is a well-established structured fat added to infant formulas. It is already known to offer a range of benefits for babies, including longer sleep duration and reduced crying.
Recently, researchers set out to explore the effect that SN-2 palmitate has on the length and quality of bones in a catch-up growth model.
After restricting the diets of two groups of rats, one group was fed with a diet enriched with INFAT – Advanced Lipids’ SN-2 palmitate ingredient – and the other with a standard diet.
Weight gain was similar between the two groups and there were no adverse effects from either diet. However, rats in the INFAT group scored higher on parameters such as humerus length.
Values relating to bone quality also seemed higher in the INFAT group, although the difference did not reach statistical significance.
Researchers also analysed gene expression in the two groups and found that three genes in the liver showed an increase in the INFAT group. They say these may be associated with growth and development in the epidermal growth plate.
Commenting on the findings, Dr Sigalit Zchut, Chief Scientist at Advanced Lipids, said: “INFAT is already a well substantiated structured fat for infant formula with multiple clinical studies proving its benefits for infant nutrition. However, as an innovative company, Advanced Lipids is testing its effect in other fields as well."
"This study is exciting because it shows that SN-2 palmitate may have a beneficial effect on the length and quality of bones of mice that were subjected to food restriction, followed by nutrition-induced catch up growth. Although this is a preclinical study, its implications may be important, especially for children with growth disorders and children with special nutritional needs.”
