Methods for reducing the incidence of necrotizing enterocolitis

摘要

Enteral formulas that contain long-chain polyunsaturated fatty acids (PUFAs), as arachidonic acid (AA) and docosahexaenoic acid (DHA) that are essentially free of cholesterol, are described. More particularly, the invention relates to methods for reducing the incidence of necrotizing enterocolitis by administering compositions which provide omega -6 and omega -3 long chain PUFAs, phospholipids and/or choline. Compositions from egg yolk lipids are presently preferred as they contain omega -6 and omega -3 long chain PUFAs and are predominantly in a phosphtidylcholine form. This is believed to provide a synergistic effect.