Novel source of microalgal lipids for infant formula

Background

The inevitable role of infant formula as a nutritional alternative to breast milk has led to a search for better ways to improve formulations. One of the most important components of human milk, the milk fat globule, contain 98% triacylglycerides with evolutionally tailored fatty acids and esterification profile delivering up to 50% of the energy intake for infants. A known problem with infant formulation is the low concentration of sn-2 palmitate compared to human milk, leading to low fatty acid absorption and gastrointestinal problems. Microalgae has been recently suggested as an alternative source of lipids for infant formulations to produce a similar fatty acid profile and esterification pattern found in human milk.

Scope and approach

This review discusses the potential use of microalgal oils enriched in sn-2 palmitate within recombined fat globules in infant formula.

Key findings

Microalgae are a promising source of lipids to replace palm olein in infant formula. Recent studies have shown that the fatty acid profile of microalgal TAGs isolated from specific species can be similar to human milk fat. Research in cultivation, downstream processing, and assessments of costs, food safety, and environmental impacts are now needed to assess the potential of this source to become a commercial reality.