Fat structure and composition in human milk and infant formulas: Implications in infant health

Infants are frequently vulnerable to transient functional gastrointestinal disorders (FGIDs) including constipation. Evidence suggests stool frequency and consistency depends upon the various nutritional components including fats. Long chain saturated fats esterified at the sn-1 and sn-3 positions seen in vegetable oil-based infant formulas, are associated with the formation of calcium fatty acid soaps, contributing to constipation. Moreover, fatty acids esterified at sn-2 position, seen in breast milk, lead to formation of softer stools, reducing the chances of constipation. Thus, reducing palmitic acid from a vegetable oil-based infant formula appears to be the go-to solution to improve stool consistency.