METHODS AND COMPOSITIONS FOR REDUCING THE INCIDENCE OF NECROTIZING ENTEROCOLITIS

摘要

Enteral formulas that contain long-chain polyunsaturated fatty acids (PUFAs) , e.g. arachidonic acid (AA) and docosahexaenoic acid (DHA) essentially free o f cholesterol, and a process for making such enteral compositions are describe d. More particularly, the invention relates to methods for reducing the inciden ce of necrotizing enterocolitis by administering compositions which provide n-6 and n-3 long chain PUFAs; phospholipids and/or choline. Compositions from eg g yolk lipids are presently preferred as they contain n-6 and n-3 long chain PUFAs and are predominantly in a phosphtidylcholine form. This is believed t o provide a synergistic effect. Also disclosed is a process of making such a composition that provides improved organoleptic and stability properties.